She was placed in a good home.
It's great news. So why did I almost start to cry when I heard?
Could it be I'm a little closer to being ready for another dog than I thought? I thought about the puppy all weekend. I even thought of a name.
But she found a loving home, and there are plenty of dogs waiting for us when we're both truly ready. All good. Sniffle, sniffle.
8.14.2006
8.13.2006
disbelief
Here's a testament to the train wreck that is the US education system, and to the rise of fundmentalist ignorance in that same country.
It's a statistic that would have Charles Darwin turning in his grave - more than one third of Americans don't believe in evolution, according to a new study.This is some scary shit.
After tabulating surveys that covered 34 countries, researchers at the University of Michigan have found that U.S. citizens are much less likely to accept Darwinism than Europeans and the Japanese.
The study, published in Friday's issue of the journal Science, found that in countries like Iceland, Sweden, Denmark and France, at least 80 per cent of adult believe that humans evolved from other species. In Japan, 78 per cent of adults believe in evolution.
But in the U.S. only 40 per cent of adults believe whole-heartedly in evolution, while 39 per cent called it "absolutely false" in the 2005 survey, which questioned 1,484 Americans and more than 33,000 people worldwide.
The study's authors say that after decades of debate it seems the American public is more confused than ever on the issue of evolution. Over the past 20 years, the number of Americans unsure about their stand on evolution has tripled from 7 per cent in 1985 to 21 per cent in 2005.
8.12.2006
declare peace
I've been getting lots of email from the peace movement lately. As increasing numbers of Americans wake up to reality and turn against the war in Iraq, the movement has been reaching out, and heating up.
United for Peace and Justice lists a full calendar of events, under the banner "We Declare Peace". See what's happening in your area. US readers, if you haven't signed the Voter Peace Pledge, it's not too late.
As always, I urge you to support Lt. Ehren Watada, the first US officer to refuse deployment to Iraq. Watada's pre-trial hearing is August 17; August 16 is a National Day of Education, asking the question "Is the US war and occupation of Iraq illegal?"
Watada is not alone: see Courage To Resist for more courageous peace stories.
The movie "Sir! No Sir!" - the largely untold story of the GI movement to end the Vietnam War - is now available on DVD. If you purchase it through UPJ, the distributors will make a small donation to the peace movement. (But - maddeningly and typically - I can't find a link through which to do that! The UPJ email link goes directly to the Sir! No Sir! website. If I find something, I'll update this.) Iraq Veterans Against the War will buy a DVD for anyone who has served in the military since September 11, 2001.
On the political front, the defeat of hard-core hawk Joe Lieberman in the Connecticut Democratic Primary is encouraging. As my email buddy Kevin Baker recently wrote me:
United for Peace and Justice lists a full calendar of events, under the banner "We Declare Peace". See what's happening in your area. US readers, if you haven't signed the Voter Peace Pledge, it's not too late.
As always, I urge you to support Lt. Ehren Watada, the first US officer to refuse deployment to Iraq. Watada's pre-trial hearing is August 17; August 16 is a National Day of Education, asking the question "Is the US war and occupation of Iraq illegal?"
Watada is not alone: see Courage To Resist for more courageous peace stories.
The movie "Sir! No Sir!" - the largely untold story of the GI movement to end the Vietnam War - is now available on DVD. If you purchase it through UPJ, the distributors will make a small donation to the peace movement. (But - maddeningly and typically - I can't find a link through which to do that! The UPJ email link goes directly to the Sir! No Sir! website. If I find something, I'll update this.) Iraq Veterans Against the War will buy a DVD for anyone who has served in the military since September 11, 2001.
On the political front, the defeat of hard-core hawk Joe Lieberman in the Connecticut Democratic Primary is encouraging. As my email buddy Kevin Baker recently wrote me:
Ralph Reed, down in flames; Tom DeLay, gone; Bob Ney, gone; and now Joe Lieberman, upset in Connecticut. I know, I know...it’s all still a long way from bringing back a politics of worth, but the earth is beginning to quake beneath those bastards at last! November could be very interesting.As Baker notes, I find it hard to celebrate - Hooray! It's Not As Bad As It Could Be! - but these are clearly good signs.
deliver
Tomorrow, the XVI International AIDS conference opens in Toronto.
There are hundreds of affiliated events planned in connection with the conference, to raise the level of awareness, funds and activism. And there is the Global Village, both in person at the Convention Centre and online, to make the global AIDS crisis more real to us.
I'm going to look at my schedule and see when I can spend some time in the Global Village this coming week.
Thinking about this makes me think about my own activism, dormant for a long time now, while we focused on our BLC*. As we close in on our one-year anniversary in Canada, I'm starting to think about doing some activism or politically-oriented volunteer work. That's always the first step for me - a recurrent thought, vague, but persistent. As it grows it will show me the next step.
Of course, if we adopt a new puppy, activism will go back on hold for a while.
* Big Life Change
There are hundreds of affiliated events planned in connection with the conference, to raise the level of awareness, funds and activism. And there is the Global Village, both in person at the Convention Centre and online, to make the global AIDS crisis more real to us.
I'm going to look at my schedule and see when I can spend some time in the Global Village this coming week.
Thinking about this makes me think about my own activism, dormant for a long time now, while we focused on our BLC*. As we close in on our one-year anniversary in Canada, I'm starting to think about doing some activism or politically-oriented volunteer work. That's always the first step for me - a recurrent thought, vague, but persistent. As it grows it will show me the next step.
Of course, if we adopt a new puppy, activism will go back on hold for a while.
* Big Life Change
clever
What do you make of Stephen Harper's recent appointment? As I'm sure you know, the PM appointed a Liberal MP, who is a Muslim, to be his adviser on Middle East foreign policy. From the CBC:
The surprise appointment also makes Harper appear flexible and non-ideological, countering two of the standard criticisms of him. Is he more flexible and less ideological than we think? Maybe. Maybe not.
Meanwhile, although Wajid Khan (who hails from Mississauga, by the way) voted against extending Canada's presence in Afghanistan, note the above quote:
So while perhaps I should think praise this appointment as creative and foward-thinking, I criticize it as politically motivated - and fear it as potentially effective for the Conservative's strategy of gaining a strong majority in the next election.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has tapped a surprise source for advice on the Middle East: a Liberal MP of Muslim faith.Perhaps it's my American background, but I can't see this as anything but a shrewd political move. The recap: Israel rains bombs on Lebanon (also killing some Canadians) - Harper unequivocally supports Israel - more Canadians die in Afghanistan - Harper takes a hit in the polls, especially where he most needs support - Harper appoints a Liberal, who is Muslim and ethnically Arab to shore up that support.
In a move apparently aimed at quelling criticism that he's been too ideological and too pro-Israel in his approach to the Lebanese conflict, the Conservative prime minister announced Tuesday that he's appointed Wajid Khan as his special adviser on South Asia and the Middle East. Khan, the Liberal MP for Mississauga-Streetsville, was born in Pakistan, where he served as a pilot in the air force.
Calgary MP Jason Kenney, Harper's parliamentary secretary, said the prime minister wanted "independent" advice from someone with intimate knowledge of the region.
Kenney said Khan could also help Harper build bridges to the Arab and Muslim communities, which have been furious about Harper's unequivocal support for Israel's bombardment of Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon.
Khan is "somebody who has credibility with some groups of Canadians that might be skeptical about our mission in Afghanistan, for instance," Kenney said.
While supportive of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, Khan voted against a rushed government motion last spring to extend the mission for two years. He said Tuesday he opposed the haste and lack of debate surrounding the motion but is strongly committed to Canada's "democracy-building" role in Afghanistan.
. . .
Polls suggest Harper's stance on Lebanon is out of sync with the majority of Canadians, who prefer to maintain a more balanced, neutral position in the Middle East. Support for the Afghanistan mission has also slumped as more Canadian soldiers return home in coffins.
The Conservatives' fortunes have slumped at the same time, particularly in Quebec, where opposition is greatest to Harper's decisions to extend the Afghanistan mission for another two years and to unequivocally back Israel in the Lebanese conflict.
Khan dismissed suggestions that Harper is using him to help restore his political fortunes or quell anger in Arab and Muslim communities.
. . .
Before accepting the assignment, Khan said he got approval from interim Liberal leader Bill Graham and encouragement from Liberal leadership hopeful Joe Volpe, for whom Khan is Ontario campaign chairman.
Volpe was vehemently opposed to the extension of the Afghanistan mission. Despite disagreeing over that policy, Khan said he remains a strong supporter of Volpe's leadership candidacy.
The surprise appointment also makes Harper appear flexible and non-ideological, countering two of the standard criticisms of him. Is he more flexible and less ideological than we think? Maybe. Maybe not.
Meanwhile, although Wajid Khan (who hails from Mississauga, by the way) voted against extending Canada's presence in Afghanistan, note the above quote:
While supportive of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, Khan voted against a rushed government motion last spring to extend the mission for two years. He said Tuesday he opposed the haste and lack of debate surrounding the motion but is strongly committed to Canada's "democracy-building" role in Afghanistan.So although Khan is a Liberal, he may not differ very much from Harper when it comes to foreign policy - as indeed, their two parties do not.
So while perhaps I should think praise this appointment as creative and foward-thinking, I criticize it as politically motivated - and fear it as potentially effective for the Conservative's strategy of gaining a strong majority in the next election.
present
Yesterday was the first day in I-don't-know-how-long that I couldn't blog. Work was insanely busy, as summer Fridays are prone to be. (Let's all leave early and dump our work on other people! Whee!). But I'm not complaining. My day-job is working out nicely, and I'm damn glad to have it. The weather has been beautiful and the Red Sox won last night (and the Yankees lost). Life is good.
I have a big pile of items I'd like to blog about. First, more coffee, then some single-issue posts.
I have a big pile of items I'd like to blog about. First, more coffee, then some single-issue posts.
8.10.2006
decision
There's a puppy who needs a home.
It was abandoned on a road in Hamilton, near the SPCA. Someone is fostering it, but not taking it to the shelter, as there's reason to believe it would be put down. She's a female, three months old, adorable, with reports of a happy temperament.
I'm on the fence.
On the one hand, Cody loved Buster, and Clyde before him, so much. She adored them, doted on them, worshiped them. She clearly loved living with another dog.
As Cody ages, it will be less and less fair to bring another dog into the home; I feel if we're going to get another dog, we should do so soon, or on the soon side. If we don't get another dog, when Cody dies, we'll be dog-less for the first time since shortly after we started living together. (We adopted our first dog, Gypsy, in November 1987.) That's a scary thought.
I loved having two dogs, and I know I would love a new dog, we'd give it a great home, and it would bring us much joy.
On the other hand, we are very much enjoying the ease of having only one easy-going, low-maintenance dog. Caring for Buster's many physical and emotional issues left us drained and exhausted. Although we never would have given up on him - and you know how much we loved him - we are really enjoying our new freedom. We aren't rushing into the added expense and effort of a new dog, let alone a puppy.
But I haven't been able to close the door on the idea, either. Something in me wants to say yes to this dog. But not entirely.
We continue to think about it. Meanwhile, I'm hoping some other wonderful family takes the pup, and makes the decision for me.
It was abandoned on a road in Hamilton, near the SPCA. Someone is fostering it, but not taking it to the shelter, as there's reason to believe it would be put down. She's a female, three months old, adorable, with reports of a happy temperament.
I'm on the fence.
On the one hand, Cody loved Buster, and Clyde before him, so much. She adored them, doted on them, worshiped them. She clearly loved living with another dog.
As Cody ages, it will be less and less fair to bring another dog into the home; I feel if we're going to get another dog, we should do so soon, or on the soon side. If we don't get another dog, when Cody dies, we'll be dog-less for the first time since shortly after we started living together. (We adopted our first dog, Gypsy, in November 1987.) That's a scary thought.
I loved having two dogs, and I know I would love a new dog, we'd give it a great home, and it would bring us much joy.
On the other hand, we are very much enjoying the ease of having only one easy-going, low-maintenance dog. Caring for Buster's many physical and emotional issues left us drained and exhausted. Although we never would have given up on him - and you know how much we loved him - we are really enjoying our new freedom. We aren't rushing into the added expense and effort of a new dog, let alone a puppy.
But I haven't been able to close the door on the idea, either. Something in me wants to say yes to this dog. But not entirely.
We continue to think about it. Meanwhile, I'm hoping some other wonderful family takes the pup, and makes the decision for me.
report, part two
We headed out to Buffalo very early today, after reports of massive delays at the border and at airports, because of today's "terror alert". I'm happy to say it was smooth sailing all the way - no traffic, no delays - another successful airport run.
It was also a very successful visit with our niece E. Great talks, lots of laughs, beautiful weather, and even our neighbour's swimming pool - what more could we ask for?
While chatting about Toronto, I told Eva about our theatre subscription, and the Distillery District where we see the plays. She's an artist, and very interested in crafts of all kinds, and really wanted to go there. So, ironically, we went to the one cultural place in Toronto where we've been more than any other, rather than finding someplace new to us. But even though Allan and I have been to the Distillery District many times, we haven't explored the galleries and studios very well at all. So we had lunch at the yummy Brick Street Bakery, strolled around looking at ceramic making, furniture making, weaving, painting and sculpture, then topped it off with Soma, the incredible chocolate and gelato makers. Eva has a very strong interest in organic food and creative cooking, so that was also a great hit.
From there, we drove up to the flagship LCBO store, always fun, although not quite the scene it was last year before the holidays. We drove around Toronto a little, to see a few landmarks and neighbourhoods from the car, then back down to the St. Lawrence Market, to buy cheese, bread, and fruit for our picnic.
We all have fun memories of picnics in Central Park, combined with Shakespeare In The Park or a free concert from the New York Philharmonic. ("I think I've had too many grapes.") Between that and the perfect weather, we decided not to go out to dinner, but to picnic in our backyard.
Then: photos of India, photos of Peru, more baseball (I fear the Red Sox may never win another game), and this morning, a lakeside walk with Cody. I had such a good time this week.
Tomorrow, it's back to real life - work, and time to start my next round of writing assignments.
It was also a very successful visit with our niece E. Great talks, lots of laughs, beautiful weather, and even our neighbour's swimming pool - what more could we ask for?
While chatting about Toronto, I told Eva about our theatre subscription, and the Distillery District where we see the plays. She's an artist, and very interested in crafts of all kinds, and really wanted to go there. So, ironically, we went to the one cultural place in Toronto where we've been more than any other, rather than finding someplace new to us. But even though Allan and I have been to the Distillery District many times, we haven't explored the galleries and studios very well at all. So we had lunch at the yummy Brick Street Bakery, strolled around looking at ceramic making, furniture making, weaving, painting and sculpture, then topped it off with Soma, the incredible chocolate and gelato makers. Eva has a very strong interest in organic food and creative cooking, so that was also a great hit.
From there, we drove up to the flagship LCBO store, always fun, although not quite the scene it was last year before the holidays. We drove around Toronto a little, to see a few landmarks and neighbourhoods from the car, then back down to the St. Lawrence Market, to buy cheese, bread, and fruit for our picnic.
We all have fun memories of picnics in Central Park, combined with Shakespeare In The Park or a free concert from the New York Philharmonic. ("I think I've had too many grapes.") Between that and the perfect weather, we decided not to go out to dinner, but to picnic in our backyard.
Then: photos of India, photos of Peru, more baseball (I fear the Red Sox may never win another game), and this morning, a lakeside walk with Cody. I had such a good time this week.
Tomorrow, it's back to real life - work, and time to start my next round of writing assignments.
8.09.2006
report
We are having such a great time with E.
Monday night we barbecued a wonderful, simple dinner, and sat outside talking until very late, then sat inside talking until even later. Yesterday we took a long walk on the waterfront trail, swam in our neighbour's pool - well, floated, along with vodka-and-grapefruit juice coolers - then more lovely outdoors eating, then some baseball.
Today we're heading into T.O. for some exploring. I keep suggesting going out to dinner, but this gorgeous weather makes us want to picnic in the backyard. Sometime before Eva leaves, we'll look at pictures of India and Peru.
I truly feel like I'm on vacation. Next week I have to start my next round of writing assignments, so this relaxing time is just brilliant.
Also, my niece is completely amazing.
I hope you're all well! What's going on?
Monday night we barbecued a wonderful, simple dinner, and sat outside talking until very late, then sat inside talking until even later. Yesterday we took a long walk on the waterfront trail, swam in our neighbour's pool - well, floated, along with vodka-and-grapefruit juice coolers - then more lovely outdoors eating, then some baseball.
Today we're heading into T.O. for some exploring. I keep suggesting going out to dinner, but this gorgeous weather makes us want to picnic in the backyard. Sometime before Eva leaves, we'll look at pictures of India and Peru.
I truly feel like I'm on vacation. Next week I have to start my next round of writing assignments, so this relaxing time is just brilliant.
Also, my niece is completely amazing.
I hope you're all well! What's going on?
8.08.2006
very big news
Nick and Mason are in.
They're in!!!!!!!! They got their letter yesterday, and are breathing again today.
Nick was the first person to contact me through my blog after the 2004 "election" - and of all the people who would continue to email me, he was the first to follow through. He has other friends in Toronto, too; I believe Genet (hey Genet, where's my link?) is one of them.
What am I saying? Nick and Mason have tons of friends in Toronto! Everyone in Canada is waiting for them to arrive!
They're in!!!!!!!! They got their letter yesterday, and are breathing again today.
Nick was the first person to contact me through my blog after the 2004 "election" - and of all the people who would continue to email me, he was the first to follow through. He has other friends in Toronto, too; I believe Genet (hey Genet, where's my link?) is one of them.
What am I saying? Nick and Mason have tons of friends in Toronto! Everyone in Canada is waiting for them to arrive!
8.07.2006
visit
Today our niece E arrives, staying until Thursday. She's recently returned from six months in India - studying, traveling and, from I what I gather, falling madly in love with the country. She's staying with her parents in New Jersey before heading back to school in Oregon, so we arranged the visit while we're still in easy distance.
E's mom is wmtc commenter mkk; her dad is my brother. We haven't seen each other since last US Thanksgiving, so I'm really looking forward to it!
* * * *
Someone recently asked: I have five nieces and nephews, now ranging in age from 17 to 25. I adore them all and I adore being an aunt. There's something about not being a parent that makes one a better aunt or uncle.
I'm especially close to my brother's kids, having spent a lot of quality time with them when they were teenagers. (Allan and I used to enjoy being the oldest people at those grunge shows.) And of course my sister's kids are no less special to me. A step- nephew and niece were recently added to the crew. I don't know them very well, but I'd like to, and perhaps I will as they get older.
E's mom is wmtc commenter mkk; her dad is my brother. We haven't seen each other since last US Thanksgiving, so I'm really looking forward to it!
* * * *
Someone recently asked: I have five nieces and nephews, now ranging in age from 17 to 25. I adore them all and I adore being an aunt. There's something about not being a parent that makes one a better aunt or uncle.
I'm especially close to my brother's kids, having spent a lot of quality time with them when they were teenagers. (Allan and I used to enjoy being the oldest people at those grunge shows.) And of course my sister's kids are no less special to me. A step- nephew and niece were recently added to the crew. I don't know them very well, but I'd like to, and perhaps I will as they get older.
8.06.2006
loyalty
Yesterday I noted that some Canadians have been complaining about Canada's recognition of dual citizenship. This seems to have surfaced in connection with Canada's evacuation of its citizens in Lebanon. These bigoted rumblings, which only recently came to my attention, question the loyalty of dual citizens, and call on Canada to force immigrants to choose between their country of birth and their chosen country. (For a capsule version of the issues, see this essay, along with the comments that follow.)
In comments here yesterday, Impudent Strumpet said:
Does loyalty mean "My country right or wrong"? We've seen what that attitude leads to. I've been accused of disloyalty to the US, since I chose to leave. I suppose I have been disloyal - because the US has been disloyal to its own ideals.
That's really the crux, I think: we should be loyal to ideals, to values, and we should support whoever supports those values. When our country lives up to the values we admire, or at least strives to, we support it. When it turns its back on them - when it chooses authoritarianism over democracy, empire over self-determination, conformity over personal liberty, selfishness over community - we have to speak up. Dissent is not disloyalty.
However, if dissent is consistently ignored, and the country continues to march to a dangerous beat, disloyalty may be the right thing to do. Imagine, once upon a time, if a few million Germans had been a little more disloyal.
In this sense, loyalty is the wrong word entirely. When a person flees their country because it has been taken over by a dictator, are they being disloyal to their country? The country they love and value no longer exists. They can either be loyal to the dictator, or if they're lucky, get out. Immigrants who have escaped fascist regimes all say the same thing: I love my country, but the country I love no longer exists.
How are people who are citizens of only one country more loyal than dual citizens? In our average, daily lives, how are any of us loyal to our country? By paying taxes? Dual citizens do that, of course - as do non-citizen residents such as myself. There must be something more than that, no?
If Canadian dual citizens live and work outside of Canada, then they don't pay Canadian taxes - but then, they don't use Canadian services, either. How, then, are they "freeloading"? (Freeloading being one of the charges leveled against dual citizens. Click at your own risk - it's pretty disgusting.)
Are the Canadians opposing dual citizenship imagining a scenario where the country of birth wages war against Canada, and the dual citizen must choose which side to support? Seems a bit far-fetched, in today's world. Even so, history shows that country of choice will usually win over country of birth. It was usually chosen because it's a better place to live.
So (as I said yesterday in comments), assuming none of us are terrorists planning to blow up a building in Ottawa, how could any of us be loyal or disloyal to Canada?
In comments here yesterday, Impudent Strumpet said:
As for the dual citizenship thing, I find it odd that people are so focused about whether dual citizens are "loyal" to Canada, when in my own life as a Canadian-born Canadian citizen the fact of my loyalty or lack thereof has never come up. It might be because I'm young and sheltered, but I've never been in a situation where, if I had been loyal to another country over Canada, it would have made any difference to anything. I may well be only using Canada for convenience too, I've never actually had to think about it.I thought this was great, and it really made me think. What exactly does it mean to be loyal to a country? And if we can define it, would be it be a good and desirable thing?
Does loyalty mean "My country right or wrong"? We've seen what that attitude leads to. I've been accused of disloyalty to the US, since I chose to leave. I suppose I have been disloyal - because the US has been disloyal to its own ideals.
That's really the crux, I think: we should be loyal to ideals, to values, and we should support whoever supports those values. When our country lives up to the values we admire, or at least strives to, we support it. When it turns its back on them - when it chooses authoritarianism over democracy, empire over self-determination, conformity over personal liberty, selfishness over community - we have to speak up. Dissent is not disloyalty.
However, if dissent is consistently ignored, and the country continues to march to a dangerous beat, disloyalty may be the right thing to do. Imagine, once upon a time, if a few million Germans had been a little more disloyal.
In this sense, loyalty is the wrong word entirely. When a person flees their country because it has been taken over by a dictator, are they being disloyal to their country? The country they love and value no longer exists. They can either be loyal to the dictator, or if they're lucky, get out. Immigrants who have escaped fascist regimes all say the same thing: I love my country, but the country I love no longer exists.
How are people who are citizens of only one country more loyal than dual citizens? In our average, daily lives, how are any of us loyal to our country? By paying taxes? Dual citizens do that, of course - as do non-citizen residents such as myself. There must be something more than that, no?
If Canadian dual citizens live and work outside of Canada, then they don't pay Canadian taxes - but then, they don't use Canadian services, either. How, then, are they "freeloading"? (Freeloading being one of the charges leveled against dual citizens. Click at your own risk - it's pretty disgusting.)
Are the Canadians opposing dual citizenship imagining a scenario where the country of birth wages war against Canada, and the dual citizen must choose which side to support? Seems a bit far-fetched, in today's world. Even so, history shows that country of choice will usually win over country of birth. It was usually chosen because it's a better place to live.
So (as I said yesterday in comments), assuming none of us are terrorists planning to blow up a building in Ottawa, how could any of us be loyal or disloyal to Canada?
what i'm reading
I just finished L.M.F., written by Matt Bin, known to friends of wmtc as M@. It was excellent!
L.M.F. stands for "Lacking Moral Fibre" - a former British military designation for what is now recognized as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
L.M.F., the novel, is a bit of military history from a personal point of view: one man's reaction to the stresses of war. It takes place during WWII, and the main character is a Canadian flying bombing missions over Germany. It's engrossing, very touching, and I learned some history, a great plus for me.
The best news is that Matt is an excellent writer. It's so nice to have talented friends! Conversely, it can be scary to see a friend's work and then compose yourself for a necessary fib. When I worked in theatre, I saw a lot of bad acting and bad plays. But now I have several friends who are very talented writers, to the point where I am often amazed and envious - in a good way.
Did I mention that Matt, Allan and I had dim sum together last week? We talked about dogs and travel - things we all love - and could easily have continued on like that all day.
I have two questions for Matt about the process of writing L.M.F., which perhaps he'll answer in comments. How did you research the details of the bombing missions? I'm also curious about the book's non-linear structure. Did you originally write it in chronological order, and then reorganize it to move slightly back and forward in time? Or did you write it in non-chronological order in the first place?
These questions give me a great idea: a website where writers interview writers about their recent publications. It could be a great publicity tool. Of course, I have no desire to create and maintain such a website. I'd just like it to appear and get lots of traffic - if it doesn't exist already.
L.M.F. stands for "Lacking Moral Fibre" - a former British military designation for what is now recognized as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
L.M.F., the novel, is a bit of military history from a personal point of view: one man's reaction to the stresses of war. It takes place during WWII, and the main character is a Canadian flying bombing missions over Germany. It's engrossing, very touching, and I learned some history, a great plus for me.
The best news is that Matt is an excellent writer. It's so nice to have talented friends! Conversely, it can be scary to see a friend's work and then compose yourself for a necessary fib. When I worked in theatre, I saw a lot of bad acting and bad plays. But now I have several friends who are very talented writers, to the point where I am often amazed and envious - in a good way.
Did I mention that Matt, Allan and I had dim sum together last week? We talked about dogs and travel - things we all love - and could easily have continued on like that all day.
I have two questions for Matt about the process of writing L.M.F., which perhaps he'll answer in comments. How did you research the details of the bombing missions? I'm also curious about the book's non-linear structure. Did you originally write it in chronological order, and then reorganize it to move slightly back and forward in time? Or did you write it in non-chronological order in the first place?
These questions give me a great idea: a website where writers interview writers about their recent publications. It could be a great publicity tool. Of course, I have no desire to create and maintain such a website. I'd just like it to appear and get lots of traffic - if it doesn't exist already.
susan butcher
Susan Butcher, four-time Iditarod champion, died yesterday. Butcher was 51 years old; she had leukemia.
Butcher was very young. I'm very sorry for her family and loved ones.
* * * *
Allan and I fell in love with dog-sled racing - and with sled dogs! - when we were in Alaska in 1996. We hung out with Joe Redington, Sr., called "the father of the Iditarod," and his three dozen dogs at his kennels.
Some years ago, we were planning on going mushing with a tiny outfit in northern Minnesota. It would have been in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, winter camping, a completely novel experience for us. Then we decided to apply to emigrate to Canada. The trip would have been very expensive, and we realized we had to give up the idea, and put the money towards the Canada Fund. (That's the "dream vacation" I refer to in my moving-to-Canada essay.)
I don't know if we'll ever get to do it now. As we get older, the odds diminish. At the very least, we have to visit Dogsled Stacie in the Yukon.
Butcher dominated the 1,100-mile sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome in the late 1980s, bringing increased national attention to the grueling competition. She won the 1986 race to become the second female champion, added victories in 1987, '88 and '90 and finished in the top four through 1993.I always admired and cheered for Butcher. I love dogs, love mushing, and love women's sports - so she was a natural for me.
"What she did is brought this race to an audience that had never been aware of it before simply because of her personality," Iditarod spokesman Chas St. George said.
She also made headlines in 1979 when she helped drive the first sled-dog team to the 20,320-foot summit of Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America.
Clare Hagerty, spokeswoman for the University of Washington Medical Center, said Butcher's family would not comment to the media Saturday night.
According to Butcher's Web site, a bone marrow transplant performed May 16 cleared her system of cancer. But she also developed graft-versus-host-disease, in which transplanted cells start attacking her digestive system. She was moved to intensive care Friday because of a fever and a change in the potassium level in her blood.
"I am sitting with her now and she is sleeping comfortably," husband David Monson wrote on his blog Friday on SusanButcher.com. "We expect that if she continues to be stable she can move back into her old room soon. I have learned over the last eight months though to never make predictions. Just focus on what is in front of you right now. It is the most important."
Butcher, who grew up in Cambridge, Mass., ran her last Iditarod in 1994 when she and Monson decided to have children. They have two daughters, Tekla and Chisana.
Three years ago, when she was considering a comeback, doctors found Butcher had polycythemia vera, a rare disease that causes the bone marrow to produce excess blood.
Butcher planned to compete in a 300-mile race last winter, but was unable to compete after she was diagnosed with leukemia in early December.
"Now my goal is to try and stay alive and fight leukemia," she told The Associated Press. "No questions asked, that's what I am going to do."
During her chemo treatments, Butcher daydreamed about land in the White Mountains she and her husband bought last fall. They planned to build a bigger cabin on the land that comes with 300 miles of groomed trails -- perfect for mushing dogs -- right out the back door.
"I got the cutest, lovingest group of well-trained females. They are easy to handle and I just enjoy them," she said. "They will be waiting for me."
Butcher was very young. I'm very sorry for her family and loved ones.
* * * *
Allan and I fell in love with dog-sled racing - and with sled dogs! - when we were in Alaska in 1996. We hung out with Joe Redington, Sr., called "the father of the Iditarod," and his three dozen dogs at his kennels.
Some years ago, we were planning on going mushing with a tiny outfit in northern Minnesota. It would have been in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, winter camping, a completely novel experience for us. Then we decided to apply to emigrate to Canada. The trip would have been very expensive, and we realized we had to give up the idea, and put the money towards the Canada Fund. (That's the "dream vacation" I refer to in my moving-to-Canada essay.)
I don't know if we'll ever get to do it now. As we get older, the odds diminish. At the very least, we have to visit Dogsled Stacie in the Yukon.
8.05.2006
1-800-you-suck
Tomorrow my sister is making a big party for our mother's 75th birthday. For many reasons, it was too complicated for me to attend. My sister, my mother and I all agreed that I should come at an easier time, when we could have a more substantial visit, not at a party.
Feeling bad about my absence, and wanting to acknowledge my mother's special day, I thought I'd send flowers.
Originally I thought I'd have flowers delivered to the party (a little showmanship there), but quickly learned florists won't deliver on Sunday, at least not during summer.
So I thought I'd have them delivered to her home, a couple of days before the event. I called 1-800-FLOWERS, and ordered something really special - a huge arrangement of orchids, lilies and roses - with a note from me and Allan, saying we were sorry we couldn't be there, to enjoy her special day, and that we love her.
I knew the moment it arrived, my mom would pick up the phone to call me. So when I came home from work yesterday and there was no message from her, I knew something had gone wrong.
I called 1-800-FLOWERS. They said, "Oh, it wasn't delivered."
It wasn't delivered? Any explanation?
No. UPS didn't deliver it.
No further explanation. It was as if they expected me to just say, "Oh, thanks," and hang up.
Could I have the same order delivered tomorrow, Saturday?
No. UPS doesn't deliver on Saturday.
After wading through the phone rep's jargon-filled spiel, I learned I could place a less exotic order, to be "florist-fulfilled" - that is, delivered by a local florist on Saturday. I also wanted a discount for the screw-up of the initial order.
This took several trips to Hold, where I was regaled with 1-800-FLOWER commercials (I'm already here! What more do you want?). Just what I wanted to do after working 12 hours.
I was disappointed that I couldn't place the first, more special order, but a dozen long-stemmed roses are beautiful, and I knew my mother would love them, and I could adjust.
I spoke to my mother this morning, as I do every Saturday, and she didn't mention anything. The day went on, still nothing.
Just now, I called 1-800-FLOWERS. They have no record of the second order. It's like it never happened.
Grrrrr.
To make it even more annoying, the little voice in my head was telling me to call a florist in my mother's town. Whenever I don't listen to the little voice, I regret it. Every single time.
Two lessons here. Listen to the voice within. AND DO NOT USE 1-800-FLOWERS.
Feeling bad about my absence, and wanting to acknowledge my mother's special day, I thought I'd send flowers.
Originally I thought I'd have flowers delivered to the party (a little showmanship there), but quickly learned florists won't deliver on Sunday, at least not during summer.
So I thought I'd have them delivered to her home, a couple of days before the event. I called 1-800-FLOWERS, and ordered something really special - a huge arrangement of orchids, lilies and roses - with a note from me and Allan, saying we were sorry we couldn't be there, to enjoy her special day, and that we love her.
I knew the moment it arrived, my mom would pick up the phone to call me. So when I came home from work yesterday and there was no message from her, I knew something had gone wrong.
I called 1-800-FLOWERS. They said, "Oh, it wasn't delivered."
It wasn't delivered? Any explanation?
No. UPS didn't deliver it.
No further explanation. It was as if they expected me to just say, "Oh, thanks," and hang up.
Could I have the same order delivered tomorrow, Saturday?
No. UPS doesn't deliver on Saturday.
After wading through the phone rep's jargon-filled spiel, I learned I could place a less exotic order, to be "florist-fulfilled" - that is, delivered by a local florist on Saturday. I also wanted a discount for the screw-up of the initial order.
This took several trips to Hold, where I was regaled with 1-800-FLOWER commercials (I'm already here! What more do you want?). Just what I wanted to do after working 12 hours.
I was disappointed that I couldn't place the first, more special order, but a dozen long-stemmed roses are beautiful, and I knew my mother would love them, and I could adjust.
I spoke to my mother this morning, as I do every Saturday, and she didn't mention anything. The day went on, still nothing.
Just now, I called 1-800-FLOWERS. They have no record of the second order. It's like it never happened.
Grrrrr.
To make it even more annoying, the little voice in my head was telling me to call a florist in my mother's town. Whenever I don't listen to the little voice, I regret it. Every single time.
Two lessons here. Listen to the voice within. AND DO NOT USE 1-800-FLOWERS.
duality
Under my radar, there appears to have been public griping about Canada's recent rescue of Canadians from the Israeli bombs raining on Lebanon. Many of the evacuated people are dual citizens, both Canadian and Lebanese. Horrors.
Apparently it is a horror for some people, who believe dual citizens are not "real Canadians" - that's the phrase being thrown about - and that Canada shouldn't recognize or offer dual citizenship. Dual citizens are "freeloaders", potential terrorists, disloyal and only using Canada for convenience. Based on what evidence, we don't know. Because we say so.
I first became aware of thisdebate bigoted ranting through this opinion piece on the CBC's website. The author is in favour of dual citizenship and responds to critics.
One commenter writes:
Apparently it is a horror for some people, who believe dual citizens are not "real Canadians" - that's the phrase being thrown about - and that Canada shouldn't recognize or offer dual citizenship. Dual citizens are "freeloaders", potential terrorists, disloyal and only using Canada for convenience. Based on what evidence, we don't know. Because we say so.
I first became aware of this
The debate over whether dual citizens are "real" Canadians represents the worst of Canada in that it seems at times to be both parochial and uninformed. Strong words perhaps, but it is difficult not to come to that conclusion after reading or listening to comments that ignore or overlook some basic facts.It's a good piece, but the real eye-opener is the comments afterwards. Some are supportive, others are just sickening.
Let's start with the implicit assumption by many commentators that the benefits in the relationship between country and citizen flow only in one direction — from Canada to the citizen. It is an obvious conclusion to draw in the midst of the evacuation of Lebanon, when what Canada had to offer was safe transit out of a war zone. But is this the whole story? There has been little or no consideration given to the idea, startling as it may seem, that benefits also flow in the other direction — from the citizen to the country — and that these benefits should also be considered within the context of the debate.
One would think that this would be evident from the fact that Canada is busy beating the bushes around the world at the moment for new immigrants. If these new citizens, who are allowed by Canada to keep their former citizenship if they so choose, represent only a burden, why are we seeking them out?
One commenter writes:
When I read about some of the dark sides of Canadian history such as "Gentiles Only" and "Irish need not apply" signs or putting Japanese Canadians into concentration camps, I used to think, "How did that happen here?". Judging by some of the comments I've read, there are still some people who haven't learned from history. - Terry T., TorontoTerry T, I thought the same thing. Good piece, worth reading, hold your breath for the comments.
8.04.2006
sullivan
I wanted to write about Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan for New Mobility magazine, but my editor, Tim Gilmer, beat me to it. Tim wrote a terrific cover story about Sam.
Tim also wrote a nice "how I got that story" editorial. If you're interested in how a long magazine feature takes shape, that's found here.
Great stuff. If I couldn't write it, I'm glad Tim did.
The City of Vancouver is honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Her Royal Highness The Princess Edward, Countess of Wessex, to City Hall for a special civic visit. His Royal Highness will help raise the Paralympic flag to fly next to the Olympic flag. The Paralympic flag was accepted by His Worship Sam Sullivan, Mayor of Vancouver, along with His Worship Ken Melamed, Mayor of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, in Torino at the Closing Ceremony of the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games.If you'd like to see how a disability-culture publication approaches Canada's most famous quadriplegic, read on.
Anyone who has met Sam Sullivan -- not only mayor of the third largest city in Canada, but also a C4-5 quadriplegic from a 1979 skiing injury sustained at the age of 19, a Welfare recipient for seven years, founder of the Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation and a member of the Order of Canada -- would instantly sense his uneasiness at wearing the title, "His Worship." He is soft-spoken and unassuming, a polite man with a boyish smile. His gray-tinged hair imparts an air of respectability, and at times he seems almost shy. Yet hundreds of millions of television viewers watched worldwide as he accepted the Olympic flag from the mayor of Torino, Italy, at the Winter Olympics closing ceremony, and later, the Paralympic flag, waving each from his power wheelchair with the help of a specially-made holster and his trusty joystick.
To say Sullivan's accomplishments are impressive is undeniable, yet what is most remarkable is his personal journey -- from isolation and depression to the pinnacle of municipal power. In the process of rebuilding his life, he created six different nonprofit organizations that have helped thousands of people with disabilities throughout North America. And in becoming mayor of his city in November 2005, he has expanded his civic and political influence tremendously. Sam Sullivan's reach has certainly exceeded his grasp, and he is still reaching.
Tim also wrote a nice "how I got that story" editorial. If you're interested in how a long magazine feature takes shape, that's found here.
Great stuff. If I couldn't write it, I'm glad Tim did.
headlines
Headlines from this morning's papers
The Toronto Star: Afghan Mission Under Fire
The Globe And Mail: The Bloodiest Day Yet
The National Post: PM Lauds Fallen Troops
It's nice to see a difference in perspective among the media - it truly is.
How nice for Mr Harper to "laud" the "fallen". They, dead; he, comfy in Ottawa. I sure hope this mission is under fire. Let the fire burn brighter and longer, until Canada is out of there.
The Toronto Star: Afghan Mission Under Fire
The Globe And Mail: The Bloodiest Day Yet
The National Post: PM Lauds Fallen Troops
It's nice to see a difference in perspective among the media - it truly is.
How nice for Mr Harper to "laud" the "fallen". They, dead; he, comfy in Ottawa. I sure hope this mission is under fire. Let the fire burn brighter and longer, until Canada is out of there.
8.03.2006
birds
Two nights ago, there was a bird on the field at Fenway Park, a little black bird who couldn't fly, but who hopped around the bases and along the outfield wall. As the Sox trailed 6-1, the crowd became engrossed in the bird's movements, cheering every time it flapped its wings, trying to get some lift, and groaning as it failed and continued hopping.
At one point, the crowd could be heard chanting, "Bird! Bird! Bird!". A player tossed a little dirt at the bird - presumably trying to move it off the base paths for its own protection - and was roundly boo'd.
Many observers noted that the bird was faster than Red Sox catcher Doug Mirabelli, and someone suggested he was perhaps a better baserunner than Manny Ramirez.
The Red Sox lost the game 6-3. The bird apparently ended up as dinner for one of the red-tailed hawks that live in Fenway's light towers. I was glad to hear that. A bird that can't fly isn't going to last very long. Meeting a natural death in the food chain seems a good thing.
Toronto-area baseball fans surely remember when, during the 5th inning of a Yankees-Blue Jays game, Dave Winfield hit a ball which struck and killed a seagull that was walking on the field. After the game, the Yankees outfielder was arrested on a charge of cruelty to animals. The charge was later dismissed by a Toronto prosecutor. More baseball-and-bird stories can be found on this entertaining page.
Right now I wish the Blue Jays would get off their asses and beat the Yankees for a change. The Red Sox and Yankees are now tied for first, and the Blue Jays could do us a favour by putting up a better fight in the Bronx. The Jays should just pretend they're facing the Red Sox, and clobber them New York the way they do Boston.
At one point, the crowd could be heard chanting, "Bird! Bird! Bird!". A player tossed a little dirt at the bird - presumably trying to move it off the base paths for its own protection - and was roundly boo'd.
Many observers noted that the bird was faster than Red Sox catcher Doug Mirabelli, and someone suggested he was perhaps a better baserunner than Manny Ramirez.
The Red Sox lost the game 6-3. The bird apparently ended up as dinner for one of the red-tailed hawks that live in Fenway's light towers. I was glad to hear that. A bird that can't fly isn't going to last very long. Meeting a natural death in the food chain seems a good thing.
Toronto-area baseball fans surely remember when, during the 5th inning of a Yankees-Blue Jays game, Dave Winfield hit a ball which struck and killed a seagull that was walking on the field. After the game, the Yankees outfielder was arrested on a charge of cruelty to animals. The charge was later dismissed by a Toronto prosecutor. More baseball-and-bird stories can be found on this entertaining page.
Right now I wish the Blue Jays would get off their asses and beat the Yankees for a change. The Red Sox and Yankees are now tied for first, and the Blue Jays could do us a favour by putting up a better fight in the Bronx. The Jays should just pretend they're facing the Red Sox, and clobber them New York the way they do Boston.
slipping
In comments, Lone Primate pointed out this poll, showing that a great majority of Canadians disagree with Stephen Harper's position on the war in the Middle East.
However, Canadians who believe Harper is following "Bush's" policy are missing something: no American president would be any different. Although Bush's personal style grossly offends us, his Israel-only support for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is standard US fare.
Stephen Harper's decision to support Israel in the current Middle East crisis appears out of step with the majority of Canadians, according to a new poll.The following day, wmtc reader Tresy linked to this:
The survey finds that a majority of Canadians want their government to be neutral on the conflict and that Mr. Harper has tilted away from the traditional Canadian position. Moreover, they believe that the Conservative government is taking its cues from U.S. President George W. Bush.
The Globe and Mail/CTV poll also shows that Canadians are paying close attention to the conflict, and that Quebeckers are particularly concerned about the shift.
"What you're struck by is how unpopular the position he has taken is, especially in the province of Quebec," said Allan Gregg, chairman of the Strategic Counsel, the firm that conducted the poll.
According to the poll, 45 per cent of voters disagree with Mr. Harper's support of Israel's actions, while 32 per cent support it, and 23 per cent don't know or neither agree nor disagree. In Quebec, 61 per cent are against the Harper position, with only 17 per cent behind it.
The poll also found that 77 per cent of Canadians surveyed say Canada should be neutral in the current conflict, with 16 per cent voicing support for Israel and just 1 per cent backing Hezbollah. Fifty-one per cent say the position represents a move away from previous Canadian governments' views.
Mr. Gregg said the results may be a political warning for Mr. Harper, although he noted that the Conservative Party's popularity has stayed relatively stable in the wake of the conflict.
"It doesn't seem to be affecting their bottom line right now," Mr. Gregg said.
"But when you start digging in to the substantive policy positions he has taken, especially on foreign policy positions, you see how incendiary they can become if that debate began to roil above the summertime consciousness . . . The position Canadians want us to take is decidedly neutral."
On a related question, 53 per cent say they believe Mr. Harper has backed Israel because the position is in line with that of Mr. Bush.
A new poll suggests Tory support is sliding over voter concern that Canada has become too cozy with the United States on Middle East policy.This is good news, as Canadians reject the idea of Canada's foreign policy following the US's.
The latest results by Decima Research, released to The Canadian Press, put the Conservatives and Liberals in a virtual tie nationally.
The Tories had 32 per cent support compared with 31 per cent for the Liberals and 16 per cent for the New Democrats.
But the Liberals widened their Ontario lead to 42 per cent of voter support compared with 33 per cent for the Conservatives, and have pulled in front of the Tories in Quebec for the first time since last winter's campaign.
"When we look at the combination of the alignment of the government with the current U.S. administration policy on the Middle East — and in particular with respect to the Lebanon-Israel conflict — it's reasonable to assume it's one of the factors that's driving Conservative support down in the near term," said Decima CEO Bruce Anderson.
"They clearly are encountering some pushback from voters in Ontario and Quebec in particular."
Liberals have also taken the lead in crucial urban ridings by a margin of 35 per cent versus 29 per cent, and are increasingly preferred by women and by voters aged 25 to 34, the poll suggests.
Middle East policy and hefty new defence spending announced by the Tories in June have apparently left some Quebec voters cold, Mr. Anderson says.
The province tends to be the most pacifist in Canada. It's also where Prime Minister Stephen Harper has invested most of his political capital in a drive for a majority government.
However, Canadians who believe Harper is following "Bush's" policy are missing something: no American president would be any different. Although Bush's personal style grossly offends us, his Israel-only support for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is standard US fare.
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