Bravo Presqu'ile Park

Back in July of 2012 I wrote a letter to the local newspaper and also posted the same letter on my blog regarding changes within Presqu'ile Provincial Park and some areas that I felt needed to be addressed. As someone who has camped and visited the park every year of my entire 45 years of existence, I've witnessed a lot of changes within the park. Some of those changes I agree with and some I have taken issue with. As always, it's only my opinion but of course through conversations with other park users I've come to learn that my concerns and ideas were being shared by plenty of other paying customers.

Today I'm not going to delve into all of those concerns again. The last time I wrote about it I was happy to receive some feedback from what I can only assume were park staff or individuals close to the day to day operations of the park. I didn't necessarily agree with what they had to say but I appreciated their input and respected their ideas and thoughts. That's the great thing about this country, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I don't have a problem with someone taking a stand on the opposite side of the fence as me provided they do so with class.

What I wanted to do today was thank the person or management at Presqu'ile who finally listened to not only me but the many other campers who have made suggestions over recent years and addressed the one issue that has been a thorn in the side of so many of us.

After finishing another camping season at Thanksgiving I finally made a trip back into the park in early November and was thrilled to see that work had begun on resurfacing the main road into and across the front of the High Bluff camping area. This road had been a constant source of complaints mainly because of the dusty conditions in the summer time.

High Bluff campground road.

It was a common site between May and October to see campers having to close the windows on their trailers, covering their food and even walking across the road to sit in order to avoid the disgusting dust that blew into their campsites after each vehicle passed by. Sadly the dust would be less if the vehicles were traveling at the posted speed limit but that's a rare occurrence indeed. It was a health hazard for senior citizens and small children and just a dusty annoyance overall.

Entrance to High Bluff campground.

This past weekend I returned to the park to enjoy a peaceful walk and hoped to spot some wildlife. The deer were scarce as usual but upon completing my walk I took a drive into the camping area and was blown away by what I found. The park had finally paved the road across the front of the Bluff. It was a thing of beauty and I know the regular campers who won't return until the new season begins will be thrilled to see the road they've been begging to be fixed for so long has finally been given the attention it sorely needed.

The difference between the old road and the newly paved road is huge and on I'm sure I speak for all campers when I say "Thank You" to Ontario Parks and Presqu'ile Park Management in particular for seeing to it that this upgrade happened.

West end of High Bluff road where pavement begins.

Some will argue that the newly paved surface will only cause problems with speeding vehicles but of course as any regular visitor to the park will tell you, speeding cars and trucks have been a problem on weekends along that stretch of road long before pavement was put down. I just hope the Park Wardens make a concerted effort to crack down on this problem next summer because the kids will love riding their bikes, scooters and roller blades on this smooth new surface and we'd all hate to see something tragic happen.

The entrance to the park has also been resurfaced and widened at the front gate which should help to alleviate congestion when campers stop to register at the office.

Once again, Bravo Presqu'ile! I look forward to seeing what upgrades you have in store for us next. Might I suggest a new trailer dumping station? (hint hint)

Amazing Autumn...So Far

Aging Beacon
Originally uploaded by *Bundy*

After what I considered to be a pretty rotten summer for weather it sure is nice to finally be getting some decent conditions for Fall.

The summer in my opinion wasn't nearly as warm overall as I would have liked. Sure we had some hot days in the 30's but not many for sure. That's not to say that I like those days a lot. Ideally I prefer daytime highs around 26-28 degrees Celsius. But of course our weather doesn't come with a thermostat we can adjust. We have to take what we're given.

Luckily, so far this September and early October has been awesome. We've had some cool nights sitting around the campfire but overall the highs during the days have been in the low to mid-20's which is fantastic.

The other day was one of those toasty days, certainly warmer than I have come to expect from October. I was out for a walk with my camera trying to get some exercise and hoping to take some photos of almost anything.

I was walking along the shore of Lake Ontario and came up on the Presqu'ile Lighthouse. Now I've photographed this particular nighttime beacon many times in the past. Too many to count in fact, so the though of taking another photo of it really didn't cross my mind. I have photos from almost every angle and direction.

One shot I didn't have was from the water. In the winter I'd taken photos by walking out on the ice and hoping I didn't fall through but I'd never gone out in the water to grab a shot.

This being October, I wasn't too keen on the idea of getting wet even though it was a warm day. The lake was quite cold all summer so the idea of taking off my shoes and wading out into the water didn't really interest me at first.

Knowing I'd dry quickly on this particular day I took off my sandals and started to make my way off shore. At first the water was very cold on my feet and the shock nearly sent me back but after a few moments and once my feet were accustomed to the temperature, or numb, it wasn't too bad. Better than I expected.

So out I strolled along the flat rock to a point where the water was up to my knees and I could get a clear shot of the lighthouse.

The sun was starting to drop in the late afternoon sky which gave great light from this angle and also provided some reflection on the water.

I tried several different shots both wide, tight, horizontal and portrait but the images that I liked the most were when I held the camera just above the water level. This gave the impression you were looking out of the water and the small waves were more visible in the foreground.

After about 25 minutes in the lake and waiting for other people to move out of my shot away from the lighthouse I was able to get some good images that I was pleased with, the one above being one of them. I think it turned out pretty good.

Fox On The Run

Red Fox Resting
Originally uploaded by *Bundy*

As I continue to work at losing weight one of the activities I've relied on to help in the process is just to simply walk as much as I can when I can.

Most days my walking involves putting on my workout clothes, running shoes, iPod for music and as quick a pace as my large legs and body will allow me. I can usually work up quite a sweat.

Some days I'll just walk three or four kilometres while other times I'll find more energy and walk upwards of 10 or 11 kilometres. My theory is if I walk a long distance away from my starting point, I'm forced to walk all the way back.

There are other times when I don't want to be nearly as active but still want to go for a leisurely stroll. On these occasions I'll typically take my camera with me and stop along the way to take the odd photo if something catches my eye. It's certainly not an intense walk by any means but it's still some light activity.

This past Friday afternoon I decided to go for a short lazy walk with my camera. I had walked along a trail in Presqu'ile Provincial Park and was nearing the point where I would circle around and head back to my car.

I had spotted an interesting flower growing just off the trail and was bending over to take a picture when I heard a noise behind me. I turned around and saw a Red Fox come out of the woods on to the trail only six feet away.

The fox didn't seem to be bothered by me in the least and began wandering up the trail I had just completed. I'm not one to let a potential photo opportunity pass me by so I decided to alter my planned route and followed the fox back in the direction I had just come.

As the fox trotted along I did my best to keep it in view and at times found myself jogging to keep up. I lost sight of it a couple of times but eventually saw movement ahead and spotted it again. It remained on the trail for quite awhile which made it easier for me to follow.

However, the fox did finally veer off the path and began making it's way into the deeper underbrush and forest.

I didn't see any immediate danger in following him so I left the path as well while carefully scanning for Poison Ivy, downed trees, holes in the ground or anything else that could cause me problems.

After about 10 minutes of going through ferns and cobwebs the fox finally stopped and made a meal out of an unfortunate chipmunk. The fox made short work of the little furry animal and swallowed him bones and all.

After his meal the fox found a spot to lay down and rest. At times it had its head down burried in its body trying to nap. I took well over 100 photos of this cute animal that still didn't seem to care that I was near by clicking away.

Eventually I ran out of time as I had to be back to go out for supper so I left the fox snoozing in the same spot as I walked away.

It was a neat experience and I was thrilled with the images I was able to capture of this local wildlife.

Coolest Astronaut Ever

As a fan of all things space and space flight related I've enjoyed following fellow Canadian and International Space Station Commander Chris Hadfield during his time aboard the ISS.

His photography of the earth, space, life on board the station and indeed his truly Canadian approach to life floating around the planet at over 27-thousand kilometres per hour has been intriguing to watch and a source of pride for all Canadians and all of the human race for that matter.

His experience is one that very few get to witness first hand but through his generous posts on Twitter and YouTube those of us who can only dream of going to space were able to get a glimpse of something truly remarkable.

Commander Hadfield is set to depart the ISS later today aboard a Soyuz capsule with two fellow astronauts to return to earth after several months. He will no doubt return to a heroes welcome in Canada or at least he should. He is a remarkable man and an inspiration to all Canadians.

And if there was ever any doubt that Hadfield is the coolest astronaut or cosmonaut ever to circle the planet, his final video before leaving for home removes all doubt. Reminder, when you watch the video, you can click on the X when the ad pops up to remove it. You can also change the video quality and size as well.

Happy Turkey Day Canada

Downey Woodpecker
Originally uploaded by *Bundy*

One of my favourite holidays is upon us here in the Great White North once again. It's Thanksgiving!

Yes, in Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving at harvest time which is at the start of October and always on a Monday. We don't wait until late November like our neighbours to the south.

I always try to think of things to be thankful for and most years these things don't change much. I give thanks for my health, family, good friends...the usual stuff.

This year I'd like to give thanks for my golf game except I've been playing bloody awful since about mid-August. So I'm thankful that it's getting colder and soon the golf season will be over.

Also this year I'm thankful that I've been able to lose some weight. At last count I was down about 78 pounds. However, with all the turkey, potatoes, gravy and leftovers I'm likely to consume over the next few days, I probably won't be thankful that I have to starve myself and get a lot more walking in to make up for my indulgences.

Oh well, it's a small price to pay. I mean, it's not like I eat turkey all the time. I can count the number of times I get this favourite fowl. Lets see, there's Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. That's pretty much it unless it's a special occasion but they don't happen very often.

So I hope all of you who find yourselves celebrating Thanksgiving today, tomorrow or at some other time during the year take a moment to think about all of the good things in your life and give thanks.

I've learned over the years that there can and will be difficult challenges we will be forced to deal with but in the end it's good to be thankful for all we are blessed with every day.

Junos Were Awful

Did those Juno Awards suck last night or what?

With William Shatner hosting Canada’s premiere awards night recognizing Canadian musical talent in Ottawa, I was hoping he would steal a line from Star Trek and say “the needs of the many, out-weigh the needs of the few”. Judging by the reviews I’ve been reading from people online, the majority felt the same way I did. The “many” would have preferred to see a much better show.

When it comes to today’s music, I’m fairly knowledgeable but I admit I’m not as in tune with the pulse of modern music (if you want to call it that) as I was even just ten years ago. Of course I used to work in radio so it was a big part of my life.

William Shatner Sings at opening of 2012 Juno Awards

I do enjoy some of today’s music and you can find me in my car from time to time singing along with Kesha, Gotye, Eminem, Adele and many other none one name artists and bands. Admittedly my tastes tend to gravitate towards Classic Rock and 80’s tunes and that includes Canadian bands. I grew up listening to Bryan Adams, Northern Pikes, Joni Mitchell, Honeymoon Suite, Neil Young, Platinum Blonde, The Tragically Hip, Haywire, Gowan and so many other cool Canadian bands.

Perhaps what made those bands cool was the fact that they really felt like our own. Many didn’t have the international recognition like a lot of Canadian acts do today. They sounded different while today most Canadian artists tend to sound like the same cookie-cutter bubblegum crap that comes out of the U.S. Remember the days when songs had guitar solos? Now instead of a good guitar riff, we’re stuck with Rap solos where all they do is mention the names of the artists singing on the song. When did it become important to say your name in every song you sing? It’s like they know they sound like everyone else and need to take roll call just to make sure the audience knows who their listening to. Could you imagine The Beatles, Led Zeppelin or even Elvis Presley doing that? I think not. When you’re good, the music can stand on its own merits.

What I witnessed on the show last night was mostly bloody awful. I realize times change and I’m probably sounding like an “old fart” but other than performances by Nickelback, Blue Rodeo and Hedley and the voice of Feist, I just didn’t see a lot of stuff to be proud of.

Maybe it was the venue and atmosphere that distracted from the performances as well. In the past I attended several Juno Awards shows in Toronto at the O’Keefe Centre (now the Sony Centre I think) and it was much more intimate with a lot less yelling and screaming by young adults waiving telephones and wearing mouse ears. We were able to mingle with the performers prior to the show in the lobby and talk with them. I spent time chatting with the boys from Barenaked Ladies, The Northern Pikes, Rush, Ronnie Hawkins, Jeff Healey and others. They were just good people sharing a love for music.

The one positive from the night was how the performances were live and not recorded or lip-synched. That has always been an important part of the show in my mind. Even if they did give a Juno Award to the most famous lip-syncing group in the history of music...Milli Vanilli.

I guess times change and things change with it but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. Luckily there’s YouTube where I can find plenty of performances by past artists and groups from my youth to keep me satisfied. But I may have just watched my final Juno Awards.

Just for fun, here's a blast from the past as Platinum Blonde performs at the 1984 Juno Awards in Toronto.

Subway Romance

I'm a healthy (for the most part) early 40's male who still has sexual urges and desires but I can't imagine ever being this drunk or this horny. 

I've had some major drunken moments in my past that have seen me pass out and fall down in some rather odd and at times precarious spots. I should add, these awkward and sometimes embarrassing moments took place during my late teens and early twenties. It's not only that I've matured but to be honest, I just got sick and tired of feeling, well, sick and tired the day after my drunken episodes.

What got me on to this subject was what I heard about recently and perhaps you saw the story as well. A couple was charged with engaging in a lewd act on a Toronto subway after another passenger complained he saw them having sex. The two were seen by other passengers, one of whom captured a video of the episode and posted it on a website that includes "uncut" material.

It was about 2:30am on a Sunday morning when the two were spotted on a train and one passenger went so far as to push the yellow emergency stop strip. You'd think this might have caused the two stinking-drunk lovebirds to end their subterranean session of bumping uglys, but it didn't. They exited the train and dropped down on the station platform where they continued to polish the floor tiles.

It took about 14 minutes for the cops to arrive, which was plenty of time for them to complete the task. I don't think I would have been able to finish that quickly with all of those eyes starring at me. Too much pressure to perform. So I have to give the young man a little credit for that I suppose. Not to mention, if they were as intoxicated as reported, I'm surprised he was able to get the job done at all.

Of course Toronto Transit was quick to frown upon this type of action with it being such a public place. I will say one thing, the TTC has always encouraged people to "Ride the Rocket". Perhaps this couple took it a bit too literally. I guess charges weren't the only thing laid that night.

OK, I better stop now.

Keep Monarchy in Canada

If for no other reason than to ensure a piece of our national history and identity isn’t erased, I feel Canada’s continued connection with the British Monarchy must not vanish.

I’m not a “royal watcher” and I certainly don’t care day to day what the British royal family members are up to but as I watch more and more “foreigners” enter Canada it seems our identity is being eroded.

Canada is a great country and is highly respected around the world. This is why so many people from impoverished and varying social, political and war torn countries are flocking here in such great numbers. Canada is a beacon of hope for these people and a place where dreams and hopes for families can be fulfilled.

For those of us born in Canada and whose families have lived here for generations, we can be proud of this land of opportunity. I’m not one to turn someone away when they are in need and are desperate to change their destiny in a positive way. What I don’t like is how people make Canada their home but fail or refuse to adapt and embrace their new country. Instead, they feel we need to change our Canadian ways, traditions, laws, beliefs, religions and way of life to meet their needs.

I don’t think I’m being racist. If these people came here and did their best to learn one of our two official languages, followed our laws while becoming a valued member of our society and assimilated, then where they came from and what they look like doesn’t matter to me at all. If they become Canadian citizens and do their best to be Canadian, that’s all I can ask for.

What I’m seeing more and more are every day Canadians being forced to be “politically correct” and that’s something I refuse to do. Defending our beliefs and history isn’t looked at as being patriotic but rather a slap to the face of those who don’t want to embrace their new home.

As an example, a Sikh child was required by his religion to carry a ceremonial dagger known as a kirpan to school with him. This is a mandatory religious commandment for the Sikh community. In most public places in Canada a kirpan is allowed to be carried. In 2006 the Supreme Court of Canada held that the banning of the kirpan in a school environment is against Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If I had a child going to school and I complained that another kid is bringing a knife to class making for an unsafe environment, I would be looked at by the politically correct people as intolerant or a racist for not allowing them the freedom to express their religion or culture. My argument would be; if they want to express their culture, then they need to do it in the country where this is considered appropriate.

Now let's put the weapon on the other foot...so to speak. If I gave my son a shotgun and sent him to school saying it’s our religious belief that carrying a loaded weapon is necessary to become a man, what do you think would happen? Something tells me the Supreme Court of Canada would laugh at me.

By the way, on April 2, 2010, Manjit Mangat, a fifty-three year-old lawyer and temple president was stabbed in the abdomen with a kirpan at the Sikh Lehar Centre in Brampton, Ontario. Police have Sukhwant Singh in custody over the matter.

OK, so maybe that might be an extreme scenario and I don't have a problem with people having different religious beliefs than me but not when it affects the Canada I love or threatens my identity. The point is every time we as Non-naturalized Canadians give away ground on issues and topics with respect to our history and heritage to appease other groups, we lose a part of our identity. Pretty soon we will become the minority and I can’t help but wonder if the new majority would be so accommodating to us.

Happy Canada Day!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish my fellow Canadians a very Happy Canada Day on July 1st.

This year we mark our countries 143rd Birthday...if my memory serves me correctly. Some days I feel that old.

While I'm working that day, I do hope everyone else is able to enjoy the holiday off with family, food and fireworks.

Canada Goes To The Birds

I’ll admit it; I had no idea that Canada doesn't have a national bird. Of course, it wasn’t exactly something that was high on my priority list of things to think about. But now that I’ve given it some thought, I think it’s about time we picked a bird to represent our country and it appears others feel that way as well.

A movement has begun to choose the bird that will best represent Canada.

We have national sports with both hockey and lacrosse and national…OK, I only can think of the national sports right now but I’m sure we have other national things.

So what bird should we choose to represent our great country?

The front-runner, according to any of the articles I’ve read, is the Red-tailed Hawk. This isn’t a bad choice as it can be found in almost all areas. Plus they look cool and rather majestic when they’re soaring on air thermals while hunting for food. It was a good idea, until I heard that Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty liked it. He just had to throw his support behind it because it had Liberal red in the name. Does the Hawk also lie when it makes promises to not raise taxes? If so then I guess it would be a good representative of the Liberals. It won’t get my vote.

I believe there are a few other possible choices that are being overlooked.

How about the “Common Loon?” Canadians are known the world over as being funny and with our Loonie for currency I think it could make a nice match. Plus the call of the Loon is a loud, wailing laugh or yodel which fits in with that theme as well. And the colours of the Loon are political party neutral so nobody can claim it backs one side over another.

The “Canada Goose” is too obvious. Sure they look cool when they’re flying in formation but when you get a whole flock of them in one place on the ground, well, lets just say you don’t want to be caught in your bare feet. No I think we'll pass on the Canada Goose because I think it's too obvious as well.

A bird with some attitude and solid work ethic might also be a good representative of Canada. The “Pileated Woodpecker” comes to mind. Found all across the lower half of Canada, no other woodpecker that I know of can knock the crap out of a tree like the Pileated one. It’s large like the country with a black body and red crest and cap on the head. Plus when it’s done attacking a tree, just like the Canadian Forces, it doesn’t leave any bad stuff behind.

When I get right down to it and after much consideration, I believe there’s one bird above all others that would be an excellent choice as our national bird. That winged representative would be the “Osprey.”

A bird of prey, the Osprey lives exclusively on fish and of course fishing is a huge part of Canadian industry and culture. It’s a beautiful and graceful bird like most Canadians. It’s a fairly large raptor growing up to 61cm (2ft) in length and has a wing span up to 183cm (6ft). The bird is white and brown in colour and can be found soaring on thermals between wing beats. Yes, I think the Osprey would be a great representative of our country.

To be honest, it came down to a choice between the Osprey and another much smaller bird. I thought the “Mourning Dove” would be a good choice, but then I remembered how much I want to kill them in the mornings when I’m trying to sleep and all I can hear is that annoying repetitive sound they make. It makes me want to rip my ears off. Ya…I think the Osprey was the better choice.

Now This Is Hockey!

I haven't had a lot of free time lately to devote to my blog. Work has been steady and my weekends have been spent doing other things besides sitting in front of the computer. I miss my computer.

In fact, the last two days I actually spent some time watching TV, but not just any TV. I was watching some of the Sledge Hockey action and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver. What a wild sport with some amazing athletes. The strength these guys have to compete is incredible.

Of course, Canada won their first two games but for those of you who have never seen a game before and don't have a clue what it's about, have a look at the videos below.

This first video is a compilation of action during the last Winter Games in Torino, Italy where Canada won the Gold Medal.


The second video is much shorter and shows you just how intense the action can be and how much these men are determined to win...even if it means they have to fight. This was a game between Canada and the United States.

Two Nations: Neigbours & Friends

I came across this short six minute feature that is narrated by Tom Brokaw and aired on NBC prior to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics beginning.

Like most Canadians, I was watching the CTV coverage that night and missed this but thankfully it has found its way to YouTube and I'm happy to share it with you.

Quite simply it is a mini history lesson for our American neighbours south of the border and while many Americans will likely know most of what is conveyed, I'm sure others will have their eyes opened. I thought it was well done.

Red and White Pride

One week into the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games we've seen some of the highest highs and the lowest lows. There have been tears of joy, sadness, elation and pride.

Despite the negative media reports regarding the weather, venues, technical issues and broken down Zamboni's, one thing that has been shining through at 100% capacity is the pride of the host country.

Sure, not everyone that calls themselves a Canadian is happy with the politics of the games or the money spent that could have gone to other issues within our borders but so what. The money spent is irrelevant when you see Canadians of all walks of life coming together wearing their red & white mittens or Canada "hoodies" and beaming with pride from coast to coast.

We are proud to welcome the world and are thrilled to show off our way of life.

When it comes to results, Canadians have had success and even those that failed to reach the podium have represented the country well and did so with honour and dignity. It is the Canadian way.

But while some think the games are about results and medals, I think it's about so much more than that. Even tonight as I watched Melissa Hollingsworth in tears after failing to medal in the Women's Skeleton, I felt sorry for her because she didn't achieve her goal and she felt as if she'd let the country down. On the contrary, how can anyone who gave it their best effort let anyone down. It just wasn't her day to win.

Win or lose in these games, Canadian athletes, spectators and citizens across this great country are showing the patriotism that Canadians have always had but rarely show publicly. Unlike other nations, we don't need to shout out loud for others to hear all the time. But it is nice to know that at least for these two weeks, the rest of the world is getting a glimpse of the Canada that I know and love.

Tragedy and Triumph to Start Games

One thing that seems to be true of all Olympic Games, whether they be Winter or Summer, is to expect the unexpected.

I don’t think anyone could have expected the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics to begin in such a shocking and tragic manner with the death of Nodar Kumaritashvili of Georgia. During his training run before the Olympic Games had even officially started, Kumaritashvili lost control of his sled at over 140 km/h and was launched off the track and into a steel support beam. The injuries proved deadly for the young luger. Some feel the blame for this rests squarely on VANOC for not allowing enough time for foreign athletes to train on the track ahead of time. I strongly disagree. This young man made a mistake and sadly it cost him his life. When you’re traveling at those speeds it only takes a brief moment for an accident to occur.

Nobody could have predicted this could happen. If they had, they would have been able to prevent it. At the Opening Ceremonies his teammates from Georgia walked into the stadium without smiles and with black armbands. They did not stay for the rest of the show which included several mentions of the accident and one minute of silence.

The Opening Ceremonies were impressive and despite what some Quebec politicians think, I believe there was a good balance of both English and French during the show. But as usual, there are those in Quebec who are never satisfied. If it had been 90% French they would have been angry that it wasn’t 100% Francophone. Of course this comes from the province that won’t allow English signage. The saying “do as I say, not as I do” comes to mind.

The big thing from a Canadian perspective for these games was the question of not if but when and how soon will Canada have its first Gold Medal on Canadian soil? At the two previous Olympic Games held in Canada in 1976 and 1988, no Canadian athlete had won Gold. I believe five Silver Medals was our best at the ’76 Summer Games in Montreal.

Jenn Heil was the early favourite to achieve this in Ladies Moguls on Day 2 but despite putting together a fantastic run, she was edged out by an American girl and had to be happy with Canada’s first medal, Silver. Next up was Charles Hamelin in short-track speed skating who seemed likely to finish with a medal in the 1500 metre event if not at the top of the podium. But, fate played a cruel trick and Hamelin failed to qualify for the final and instead had to settle for easily winning the “B” final.

Next up was the Men’s Moguls on Sunday night where there was potential for Canadians to sweep all three podium positions. That didn’t happen of course as two of our athletes finished fourth and fifth. But the Gold Medal drought seemed like it could end on this night. With one last Canadian at the top of the run ready to make history, Alexandre Bilodeau took off and put in the performance of a lifetime and moved into top spot moving the defending champ to the Silver position.

One final skier remained and needed a perfect run to upset Canadians across the country. As I watched the French athlete make his way down the run, even a novice moguls competition watcher as me could spot a couple of major mistakes in his run and I knew it was in the bag. A few moments later it became official and Canada had its first Gold Medal on Canadian soil. The whole country celebrated and Bilodeau became an instant celebrity and hero to millions. Now that the goose egg has been broken, we can only hope this will lead to many more Gold Medals. Of course as Canadians, we’ll be proud of our athletes regardless of how they finish.

The biggest and most humourous Gaff of the Games so far has to go to NBC and their broadcast of the opening ceremonies. I’m sure some Americans wouldn’t have caught the mistake but it was a real doozy if you did.

As the Olympic flag was brought into the stadium, the flag bearers were introduced and the very first one was Betty Fox. Of course any Canadian with half a brain will tell you that Betty is the mother of Canadian hero and one-legged runner Terry Fox who died while running across Canada to raise money for cancer research. It was known as the Marathon of Hope and since 1980 the Terry Fox Run has been held in Canada and numerous other countries raising millions upon millions of dollars to fight cancer. The brain trust at NBC were right on the ball and quickly identified Betty Fox as the mother of Canadian actor Michael J. Fox…complete with pictures. Ouch!

Canadian Olympic Hockey Logo Irritates Me

Why does it seem like everything related to any big event held in Canada has to pander to the First Nations People? Heaven forbid we upset the natives.

Once again we have to make special reference to the native people of Canada in relation to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The first item that really set me off was the design and names of the Olympic Mascots for the games. I wrote my feelings about that in a story called Are Olympic Mascots Canadian?

Now the Canadian Olympic Committee and First Nations people have found an ally in Hockey Canada. Yesterday the newly designed Men's and Women's Hockey and Paralympic Sledge Hockey jersey's were unveiled at a ceremony in Vancouver.

From a distance I think the new hockey jersey's look pretty good and somewhat traditional. I love the red and white, although I could do without the corporate Nike Swoosh logo on the front (I thought there wasn't supposed to be any corporate logos...that's why we had to change the sweaters in the first place).

Overall it is a simple design and people world wide identify Canada with the Maple Leaf.

What I don't like about the design is the artwork within the maple leaf crest. Sure it's creative and from a distance you won't be able to decipher it but even though it's a subtle addition, I think it speaks volumes to how the politically correct individuals running things felt the need to include the native people in the process...again.

In fact, native artist Debra Sparrow designed the art inside the crest. There is a thunderbird and an eagle, two symbols important in First Nation culture included in the design. Sparrow says, "It's designed from history that reflects our First Nations people." That's right...when I think of Canada and our National sport of Hockey, I immediately think of thunderbirds and eagles. I just shake my head in disbelief.

When is "MY Canada" going to be represented. I was born in Canada so doesn't that make me a native Canadian. Why isn't my culture represented? I'm surprised Hockey Canada didn't totally commit to the Native and Aboriginal theme and make the sweaters out of seal skin.

I'm not anti-native but it just seems every time we turn around we're going out of our way to cater to them and having Native art shoved down our throats. Visitors to our Olympic games are going to leave with the impression that we're all Natives and speak nothing but french. Yes, they are a part of our Canadian heritage and history but there's a lot more to Canada than the native people.

Hell, the dinosaurs were here before all of us, so maybe we should include a T-Rex in the Canadian logos and opening ceremonies.

I don't know, perhaps I'm especially bitter because I've had to deal with native protesters first hand in recent years and put up with their blockades and other bullsh&t. Any way, I can hardly wait to see the opening ceremonies. I'm sure I'll be gagging and moaning the whole way through it.

Too Many Repatriation's

Two more Canadian soldiers, killed over the weekend in Afghanistan returned home to Canada on Tuesday at a sombre repatriation ceremony in Trenton, Ont.

Sapper Mathieu Allard, 21, and Cpl. Christian Bobbitt, 23, died in a roadside bomb attack in the Zhari district, west of Kandahar, on Saturday.

The plane carrying their flag-draped coffins touched down at CFB Trenton just after 2 p.m. ET Tuesday. Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean and Defence Minister Peter MacKay were among the dignitaries on the tarmac.

My mother had never been to a repatriation even though she lives so close to the base. I couldn't take her down to the base this time as I had her out doing some shopping, so we decided to stop along the Highway of Heroes (Hwy 401 - Canada's busiest) at Brighton to pay our respects and watch as the bodies and families passed by on the way to to Toronto.

The bridge over the highway and every other bridge between Trenton and Toronto was packed with people waving Canadian flags and showing their support. Some people were crying and like the others I've watched in the past, the emotions are always visible.

While I wish our men and women could all come home to Canada and be safe, I understand why they are there and even more so, I know they believe in what they're doing and I support them. I just hope we don't have to watch anymore hearse's make the long journey down the Highway of Heroes.

In this photo you can see my mother with her Canadian flag in hand waiting for the procession to go by.

Happy Canada Day

We are celebrating our countries 142nd birthday today and some days I think I feel that old.

If you're Canadian, I hope you have a chance to enjoy the day and celebrate this great country of ours.

McCain Is Losing His Memory

I've seen what happens to people as they get older and start to lose their memories and other faculties. Sadly it isn't pretty and for U.S. Senator John McCain it appears as though his age is starting to catch up to him.

The poor man was quoted on Friday as saying "Well, some of the 9/11 hijackers did come through Canada, as you know." No John...I'm afraid I don't know that. In fact, the 9/11 commission doesn't think so either. The 9/11 Commission reported in July 2004, all of the 9/11 terrorists arrived in the U.S. from outside North America. They flew to major U.S. airports. They entered the U.S. with documents issued to them by the U.S. government. No 9/11 terrorists came from Canada.

So where does McCain come up with this hogwash. Oh wait, now I see. With his own mind slipping he just repeated what Janet Napolitano, the U.S. homeland security secretary said a few days prior. Unfortunately for Mr. McCain he must have missed Ms. Napolitano's correction when she said she was well aware there had been no Canadian 9/11 connection. She then added that the Canada-U.S. border had, in the past, posed a security risk to Americans.

Well sure there's always a risk that someone could sneak into the United States from Canada but you could hardly blame Canada for that. After all, don't you have to go through American Customs before entering the U.S.? If anything, they'd have themselves to blame for that as well.

I can forgive John McCain for his senile ramblings but I think Ms. Napolitano might just be proof that even a moron can get a high ranking government job. You see, she went on to dig her hole deeper at the recent border conference when she suggested Canada was more lax in its immigration policies than the U.S., alleging Canadian authorities allow people into the country that would not pass muster south of the border.

Hello!!! Does she have any idea how many illegals she has living in the United States?

Is she even aware of the fact the U.S.-Mexican boundary has a drug war raging and countless illegal immigrants flooding into America every year? As the secretary of homeland security that might be something you'd expect her to have extensive knowledge about. If she thinks the U.S. and Canadian border is the same as the U.S. and Mexico border then they may want to get her to briefing and study session ASAP.

Why do American politicians have such a hard time accepting responsibility for their own problems? They never seem to be able to see their own faults because they're so damn busy waving their flag in the faces of the rest of the world.

Don't get me wrong...I love the U.S. and am proud to have it as a friend and one of our best allies on all fronts. The majority of Americans, much like a vast number of Canadians, are smart, hardworking people just trying to survive and pay our bills. They know the truth but just like when your next door neighbour sweeps his leaves into your yard it can strain relations at times.

This myth about the 9/11 hijackers entering the United States from Canada will be around forever. Enough people are misinformed and brain dead politicians don't read their own memos and this will continue to linger on likely forever.

Highway of Heroes Too Busy

It's never the right time to hear about the passing of our Canadian soldiers but it's always harder to learn of this news at this time of year.

Three more Canadian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, bringing the total lost to 103 since the mission began six years ago.

These loses never become any easier and the families of those lost have an even tougher reality to deal with.

Cpl. Thomas James Hamilton, Pte. John Michael Roy Curwin and Pte. Justin Peter Jones, based at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick, were killed by a roadside bomb (IED) in the morning as they were responding to reports people were planting a suspicious object west of Kandahar city.

I hope to make it down to the local base where the bodies of these men will be flown to for a repatriation ceremony prior to making their way along the Highway of Heroes to Toronto.

I have seen far too many soldiers return home in this fashion but I can only hope that these will be the last to return this way.

I do, however, feel a sense of pride when I see the number of average Canadians who come out to pay their respects to the soldiers and their families at this time of tragedy. Along the entire route from the base in Trenton all the way to Toronto, people line the highway and stand quietly on the bridges to show their respect and to say thank you for giving their lives in defence of their country.

I was recently surprised to see an American television network news program do a story on the Highway of Heroes. This NBC report took place on Veterans Day / Remembrance Day.

Where Have I Been?

I want to apologize to my loyal readers who make it a point to stop by a few times a week just to see what I've been thinking.

I haven't had an update in a while and there's two reasons for that.

1. I have been busy with other stuff in my life.
2. I just haven't had anything to complain or talk about lately.

I could talk about the historic election results south of the border in the United States but if you're like me, you were sick of all the election talk long before Obama was announced as the winner. It's not that I don't recognize the significance of the event. I've just moved beyond it already.

I spent more time on Tuesday night watching the American election coverage than I did the night of our own Canadian election. Honestly...our election is incredibly boring compared to the U.S. election. The Canadian government could learn a lot from the Americans when it comes to getting the people excited about politics.

Lets be honest, our leaders are about as charismatic as a pile of manure. They're like some of the Dwarfs from Snow White.

Lets see...Prime Minister Harper (Conservatives) would be "Borey" for his monotone voice and ability to kill the enthusiasm in all who come in conatact with him.

I'd call Stéphane Dion (Liberals) "Whiney" as his skill and ability to blame everyone else but himself for his parties failures is quite impressive.

Jack Layton (NDP)could only be named "Dorky" because lets face it...he's a dorky looking guy who does a great job of picking on everyone else but can't produce any good problem solving ideas of his own.

Gilles Duceppe (Bloc Québécois) is an easy one..."Snotty". It must be tough trying to run the party for Quebec Nationalists with a 2X4 jammed up your anus all the time. However you can bet that René Lévesque would be proud of the Canada hating jackass. I'd tell him the same thing that I'd tell any immigrants to Canada...if you don't like the way things are done here and you don't want to live by our rules and beliefs...then don't let the airplane door hit you in the butt as you leave to find another country to live in. Actually...I probably wouldn't be that polite.

Finally there's Elizabeth May (Green Party). I won't give her a name since her party is a complete joke any way.

For some reason I just find the American political system more interesting. I realize the Canadian system is all about history as well as it is based on the British system. However, nobody said that was any good either.

Although I didn't support Barrack Obama and his party I don't have anything against the man and I think he'll likely do about as good a job as McCain would have. Lets face it, neither one of them would have had a tough act to follow.