Thoughts from the throne...

A Summary of Life...

2008-01-12T23:06:00.000-05:00

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2) When your Mum is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fibre, not the toy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions. 6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

SUCCESS:
At age 4 success is . . . Not piddling in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . . Having friends.
At age 17 success is . . Having a drivers license.
At age 35 success is . Having money.
At age 50 success is . . . Having money.
At age 70 success is . .. . Having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . . . Having friends.
At age 80 success is . . . Not piddling in your pants.

Hope 'ya smiled.

The Last Post

2008-01-08T23:12:00.000-05:00

So I think I am done with blogging. At least on this site and for some time. I have an idea for a theme specific blog that I may start in the near future, but we'll see.

I have to say this has been an interesting experience. I have had a tremendous amount of very positive feedback and some wonderful discussions about things that I have posted. I have also had some not-so positive feedback as well but when you are willing to stand up, state your position and then stand willing to defend it; you are bound to get some people taking anonymous shots at you.

Sadly most of the negative came from a couple of folks at work. I know who they are and it isn't important. They seemed to take great delight in spreading tales of what they read in my blog which oddly enough had very little to do with what I actually said in my blog. Fortunately the positive far out-weighs the negative; even from my co-workers.

When I sat down to think about why I was really stopping (or pausing maybe), I think the biggest reason was I missed actual discussion. It's great for someone to say "Hey I read your blog and thought it was great." Or "I think you're way off base, let's sit and talk about it". I would always rather the discussion. I would always rather sit and talk with a person or persons than just read about their opinions.

Almost everyone that knows me knows that it is very true I am loud and opinionated. But I also love spirited discussion and can (if the counter-argument is good enough) even have my opinion changed.

Before I sign off I will leave you with a quote from Hubert H. Humphrey (38th Vice-President of the USA) who said that

"Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent, and
debate.”

My thanks to all who have read.

Be well all.

Update cough cough

2007-11-03T23:02:00.000-04:00

I'm a little bored at work and thought I'd fill you in on what's been going on in the past little while.

On the last shift I worked (1 Jul) I was coughing, but nothing serious. It started to get serious fairly quickly and by the time all was said and done I didn't return to work until 2 Nov (yesterday). What was wrong you ask? Good question, there is no definitive answer. Every test came back negative and every medication proved ineffective save one and there I was, coughing through it all.

If you didn't get a chance to see me cough, it was quite a show and you really missed out. I would cough and cough to the point of vomiting (which I tried VERY hard not to do because I hate vomit). At which point there would be a period of up to thirty seconds where I couldn't breathe. If you have never experienced this sensation, make a seal with your lips on the back of your hand and try and take a breath. It felt like I was trying to breathe through concrete. I don't mind telling you, it's a terrifying experience. It gives me a whole new appreciation for patients who are legitimately short of breath. I know the feeling and it isn't fun.

Many (including myself) thought that it was pertussis (whooping cough), but anti-biotics proved useless and testing negative. The only thing that helped the cough was a drug called Hycodan. Which is essentially liquid percocet, and I was almost sucking this stuff up with a straw. Apparently codeine has an anti-tussive effect.

Therefore I couldn't work. I can't drive fast and make snap decisions while under the influence and couldn't trust myself to drive to work while under the influence. Add to that that I wasn't sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time without coughing so I was very much fatigued. So I stayed at home for four months at two-thirds pay. Luckily Jaci is working and this helped tremendously to off-set the loss in pay.

So I'm back at work now. Am I cured? No idea because we don't know what it was in the first place, but the coughing is almost gone. I haven't been on the narcotic for a few weeks (I proudly weaned myself off) and am feeling generally better.

Here's the kicker, even though I'm AT work (back to full pay) I'm not allowed TO work. Because I was off for more than three months the base hospital has de-activated me and I have to have my skills assessed before re-activation. For those that don't know, the base hospital is the organization that allows me to give drugs and defibrillate people.

Also because I'm deactivated, I'm not allowed to drive anywhere while working, just in case I stumble across something. The argument that I can still do first aid and CPR falls on deaf ears. So I'm not doing a whole lot at work but hopefully that situation won't last. I am however on legitimate vacation next week so it will have to be the week after that.

What am I doing on my vacation might you ask? Excellent question!

Monday is my anniversary celebrating two wonderful years being married to my best friend. So we will be doing some stuff during the week as time allows. And while my beautiful bride is at work or doing work related things, my eleven year old nephew allowed me to borrow his XBox 360 for the week. Needless to say I anticipate saving the world or conquering the galaxy fairly often this week.

For those who gave their best wishes, prayers and phone calls/emails while I was sick I thank-you very much. I can't really describe the feeling you get when someone calls and says "heard you were sick and wanted to see how you were". Not to sound too bitter, but there is also a feeling you get when you don't get contacted, but I won't get into that.

Special thanks to Jaci's uncle Steve who loaned me a WHOLE bunch of DVD's to stave off boredom and to my dad who loaded us up with tonnes of yummy food to stave off starvation!

So that's what's been going on the past little while.

Thanks for stopping by San Diego!

Be well all.

Gobble gobble!

2007-10-07T07:50:00.000-04:00

This weekend is Thanksgiving; this is not news. We (Canadians) have ours in October and our American friends have theirs in November. Why the difference? In the US their celebration is more of the pilgrims coming together with their (native) Indian neighbors and ours celebrates more the crop harvest.

So as Jaci and I have been married for almost two years now I thought that it would be a swell idea to host the family dinner, which usually consists of about six people. This year there was eleven people. We also opted to have the dinner Saturday so that Tracey could make it as well as my dad (who flies out this evening for England).

Our house is a good size but it was still cramped to sit and host eleven people. We had Jaci and I of course, Jac's brother Gary, my mom and dad, my sisters Kerrie and Tracey, nephew Christopher, Aunt Janet and Uncle Bill (up from Florida) and Tracey's friend Karen. Quite a daunting task really, bearing in mind we have never had that many over at one time before.

So my little love bug made her first turkey, as well as handmade stuffing, potatoes, and cranberry sauce. The corn, broccoli and cauliflower weren't hand made from scratch but still tasty! To finish the meal was Jaci's famous apple pie and triple chocolate cake (mom made me a cherry pie). Many compliments were heard because my beautiful bride really out-did herself.

One of the best thanksgiving dinners I've had in a long time. We have just about finished cleaning up after it and soon we will depart for church where my sweetheart will be singing a solo today, just to round-out her weekend.

I hope you all have a great weekend and your turkey is as good as mine was!

Be well all!

News and views....

2007-10-03T10:29:00.000-04:00

A few things to mention today....

First is the up and coming provincial elections. I'm not going to bother too much with which party said what (with one exception I'll mention later). I wanted to talk about the referendum. We, as Ontario citizens are being asked if we want to continue with our current electoral process or vote in favour of a new one. The new process being the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system.

The MMP way of doing things does have it's advantages and I would strongly encourage everyone to actively seek out information to make an informed decision about which you will support. At this time, I don't think I can't support the idea even though I like the principal.

Here's my reason. If the MMP is successful then each party will get to add members based on the percentage of votes they get. For example, if party A gets 40% of the seats but 50% of the votes, then they can add members until their seat count reaches 50%. Here's the catch (for me), the added members are not elected.

We as citizens will be subject to decisions made in part by politicians who are not accountable to the citizenry. They don't have to go door to door looking for support and votes for election day in order to collect government salary and benefits. I have a REALLY strong objection to this.

So at this time, I can't support the idea.

Next is the millstone around the Tory neck; that being funding for faith-based schools. A lot of folks are making a stink about this and I think it isn't necessary. Reason being that I don't think faith-based schools will take government money because of the required strings.

Right now, private schools hire who they want to hire to teach their classes. The teachers there don't have to have certification from the College of Teachers of Ontario, sometimes not even a University degree. They are only really required to be active members of that particular sect of faith.

If the private school takes government money, they really aren't going to be private anymore; and I don't think as a whole they're going to go for that. Granted, this is just my opinion.

Finally I wanted to mention a concert Jaci and I went to last night. Doing a tour in southern Ontario is a group of singers from Bournemouth, England. Specifically they are the Boscombe Songsters. In concert with the corps band they made for a perfectly enjoyable evening and we opened our home to three of the singers last night.

It was a joy to host Chris, Ben, and Niall last night and I hope the rest of their stay here in Ontario is as great as the first bit.

That's all for now.

Be well all.

Today's Front Page

2007-09-13T20:13:00.000-04:00

On today's front page of the Hamilton Spectator there were three things that caught my interest. Well, four actually if you count the abbreviated weather report (and a beautiful day it was!)

The first is about how when Ontario's Premier Dalton McGuinty came to Hamilton for a campaign stop he didn't answer questions about some of the 'hot' topics, like the native occupations. This shocked some people.

I can't say I'm surprised though. Big 'D' has some tough campaigning to do in this town after three of the Liberal incumbents have decided not to run again. Not only am I not surprised that the D-man hightailed it back on his bus, it was really the only thing he could do. Why is that? You may ask, and it's a great question! Because he's ahead in the polls (right now); that's why.

Taking questions you aren't prepared for about hot-button topics right in the area they are hottest means his answers would largely be 'off the cuff'. This makes it far too likely he'll make a political gaffe. He's father ahead to prepare answers and speak when he's in Windsor, or Thunder Bay. He did exactly what he should have done in my opinion, and I don't even qualify as amateur. I only have an interest in politics and I figured it out. The Spec however thinks this is front page news.

Next is an article how "The nuclear family isn't so typical anymore". It mentions how nationally, married people are in the minority (although not in Hamilton). The 2006 census also showed for the first time that there were more couples without children than with kids.

It goes on to say that a McMaster University sociology professor states "the decline in religion has made alternative unions more acceptable, including common law and same-sex couples." Also, the single parent family statistic has risen by more than 12% since 2001.

What does all this mean? I don't know. I'm from a single parent home. I'm also a happily married man who hopes one day to have a house full of kids (the exact number Jac and I are still discussing, it will be more than two and less than twelve).

The definition of family has become much more broad of late, I think. A number of factors contribute to this, not the least of which are things such as legalization of same-sex marriage, greater public acceptance of common-law relationships, and perhaps the evolution of our way of thinking.

Either way, I found it very interesting.

The third posting on the front page was about obesity (truth be told there was also something about Brian Melo, but he doesn't interest me). A columnist for the Spec with whom I have had serious misgivings about her writing of late is reporting about a man who is, in her words, 'too fat to work'.

Right now, obesity is only considered a disability if it comes from an illness, accident, or birth defect. Apparently there is a movement to change that. The man in the article hasn't worked since April of 2006. He was on modified work, then sick leave, then unemployment, all of which has run out and all the while he has not lost the weight that is preventing him from working. He is also waiting for news from OHIP to see if they will cover a gastric bypass surgery in the United States.

While reading the article it has became clear that the reason this man is as large as he is, is not by accident, illness, or birth defect. He eats too much. My tax paying dollars may fund his surgery because he can't put down a fork. Now before anyone jumps on me for that, bear in mind that I fully realize the fork is my yap far too often as well. He states that his weight loss efforts haven't worked; the article doesn't say whether or not that's due to lack of determination.

I sympathize, I really do, but I don't think the government should cough up because he won't stop eating. I can say much more on the topic but I think I've said enough to get me in enough trouble already.

So that's what I'm thinking today.

Be well all.

Highway of Heroes

2007-09-04T19:06:00.000-04:00

The news reported last week that there are plans in the works to rename a section of the 401 the "Highway of Heroes". The particular stretch they are looking at is the approx. 170 Km stretch between CFB Trenton where the bodies of soldiers killed overseas returns to Canada, and Toronto where they bodies go for forensic testing of some sort. There was at least an on-line petition that collected in excess of 14,000 'signatures' in support of this.

Well, in the Hamilton Spec this morning was an editorial by an elderly Ancaster gentleman who, to say the least wasn't in favour of the idea. So it got me to thinking.

Most of the Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan are those that are referred to as 'Reg Force'; or Regular Forces. These are the men and women who are full time career sailors, soldiers, and airmen. This is what I will say about the full time, professional soldiers: First, when you sign the dotted line you know the chance exists that you will go into harms' way. Second, no one wants to avoid an armed conflict more than a professional soldier. In fact, they train very hard to prevent them.

Augmenting the regulars are the reservists; the soldier who for the longest time held the moniker of the 'weekend warrior'. These men and women are today exceptionally well trained and volunteer to leave employment and often loved ones behind so that they can do what many believe to be their share. The risks they face are no less tangible.

More and more reservists are needed overseas in a multitude of roles because we (as a nation) just don't have that many full time soldiers. Add to it that recruitment is a tough process and there aren't that many applying these days. In fact, there are many professions where the army will grant a 'signing bonus' because the need is so great. We just don't have the troops to do everything the government wants them to do. But I digress.

Whether or not you agree with the reasons our troops are overseas is immaterial. Their status as heroes is, in my opinion, is unquestioned.

Be well all.

It's a dog eat dog world.

2007-08-17T20:53:00.000-04:00

So in the news recently is Toronto Humane Society man Tre Smith. For those who don't know the story, this Humane Society officer responded to a call where he found full grown rottweiler locked in a 'sweltering' automobile. The officer believed the dog was close to death and broke the window to get the dog.

This got the attention of car owner who then confronted Smith. What was said and who was the more aggressive of the two is not clear, and is in dispute. Smith left the dog owner hand-cuffed to his (the dog owner's) car while he took the dog away for what is presumed to be life saving care.

So when Metro Police arrived, they found the dog owner still handcuffed and moderately beaten; including missing several teeth I believe. While this incident is being investigated Smith has been suspended from active duty by the Toronto Humane Society.

Since then, there has been an outpouring of support for Officer Smith as well as shock and disbelief that the humane society would do this when Smith was doing what the public perceives as his job.

So because this is a contentious issue, I've decided to throw my two cents into the pot. Here it is: not only should he be suspended, he should at the very least be severely reprimanded or even lose his job.

Here's my rationale: he left the dog owner handcuffed to the car, with angry civilians around. The handcuffs negate the man's ability to defend himself from the attacks that followed. If he (Smith) felt strongly enough the man should be handcuffed, then Smith should have waited for police to arrive before he left the scene.

Also note, in the pictures of Smith in the media, when he is in uniform, he has what the military world would call "sergeant stripes" on his shoulders. In and out of the military, these chevrons invariably denote someone with years of experience, leadership, and more than just a working knowledge of rules and regulations.

I laud Smith's intentions and motives, but were I his supervisor, I would have suspended him too. At the point of writing this, and based on available information, what it boils down to is he left the dog owner handcuffed and unable to defend himself. Not to worry, I see the irony very clear.

I hope more information comes out because the way i see it right now, both Smith and the dog owner deserve punishment. I say this as a dog lover (I still love cats more though). Smith should have waited for the police, or not used the handcuffs.

I have no doubt that Officer Smith's intentions were good, but you know what they say about good intentions.

Be well all.

Pets in heaven?

2007-07-23T15:22:00.000-04:00

First a little background. Some may or may not know that I am a cat person. I love dogs as well, just not as much as I love cats. I grew up with cats from as far back as I can remember (Jaci may argue that that particular time period usually doesn't stretch past a day). In November of 2000 I went to Animal Welfare through my vet to adopt a cat. I was fully aware that having a pet is not just a matter of convenience, it's a responsibility to love and care for the animal for the rest of its life. I was OK with this, and in short order I adopted my Ivan (the best guess figured at him being about a year old when he came to live with me).

My father-in-law summed up the difference between cats and dogs the best I've ever heard, saying that dogs treat humans like gods, and cats treat humans like staff. Ivan was certainly no exception. With that being said, if Ivan knew you, and more importantly loved you, a greater animal-friend you couldn't ask for.

Sadly Jaci an I had to have Ivan put down on the 29th of June because he had cancer. And while he wasn't in pain at the time, the vet assured me that the pain would come and the cancer was not survivable. Suffice it to say I was an emotional wreck for several days (and Jaci too).

All of this background brings me to the point of this missive: Do pets go to Heaven? I was wondering about this and then did a little digging and came to my own conclusion. So I thought I would share with whomever is reading. Please bear in mind the conclusions are my own, and I am by no means a theological scholar. I would hate for those at my work who love to mis-read my blog to think I am stating Biblical fact.

With all that out of the way, down to brass tacks. To the question at hand, the bible is silent, so to try and reach my conclusion, I had to look at things from different angles if you will.

If you look at humans, the bible teaches that we have all fallen, and are all sinners. So the way for our soul to find it's way to heaven is to be redeemed by first and foremost a belief in Christ as the risen lord. If animals have not fallen, do they need to be redeemed? Do they in fact have a soul?

One reference to animals in the bible is in 2 Kings 2:11 "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." Horses came down from heaven, and the horses go back up to heaven. The 'fire' part may have been just for effect, to match the chariot maybe.

Another reference is Revelation 5:13 "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" (italics added)

Also Revelation 19:11-14 "11I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean." (italics added)

From Isaiah 11:6-8 "6 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest."

There are many other references as well that show that animals will be in heaven, and are in fact there now. But do they have a soul? I think the answer is both yes and no. No in that they don't have a soul in the way humans do. Man was made in God's image so on and so forth.

However, if you look at life on earth, an oak tree meets all the criterion for life because it is in fact alive; it eats, breathes, reproduces, etc. Is one oak tree different than another? No. Oak is oak, grass is grass. What about animals though? You could have two dogs, say they are pure bred dogs from the same litter, both male. Everything is lined up for one to be the same as the other, but they aren't. Each dog is completely different from the other because of personality, or dare I say it, the animal soul?

One more reference for you. 1 Corinthians 2:7-9 "7No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9However, as it is written:

"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"

This passage tells us again that God loves us, and no one on earth really knows what we will find when we get to heaven.

I have come to the conclusion that animals do go to heaven, rightly or wrongly, maybe even for my own piece of mind. Not just because of the biblical passages, my thinking is that God loves all His creatures and because He loves you, and knows how much your pet means to you, I think that because of His love He will see you re-united.

Final point, while I am reasonably certain that animals and by extension pets will go to heaven; the bible is very clear that not all man will go to heaven. My point being that unless you are right with God, your beloved pet will wait in vain.

Be well all.

Random thoughts.

2007-06-12T23:16:00.000-04:00

Couple of things I have been thinking about recently...and they are in no particular order:

Prince Harry, now a shiny Second Lieutenant in the Blues and Royals Regiment (Armoured) was denied to be deployed with his regiment to Iraq because of security concerns. I understand this but still think it's unfair of the British Army for a few reasons.

First, he's third in line to the throne. The likely hood of his grandmother, father, and older brother dying while he is deployed is pretty small. Also I'm sure he knows in advance that if he's captured, he's screwed, and he accepts that risk.

Second, he obviously wants to follow in his family's footsteps. His father was in the RAF, his Uncle (Prince Andrew) fought in the Falklands with the Royal Navy, his Grandfather served in the Royal Navy during the WWII and so on and so forth. He graduated from Sandhurst Military Academy (no mean feat) and wants to serve, so let him.

Third, special treatment. He doesn't want it, so don't give it. I'm sure that the higher ups in the Royal Family didn't influence the decision, but I'm sure they aren't unhappy about it. Even still, he decided to join the army, let him do what soldiers do.

Next topic.

I've been reading in the spec about nursing homes and hospital beds etc. The gist of the story is that if someone is in a hospital bed waiting for a nursing home placement, and the family refuses the first one that comes available, the hospital then charges the family 300$ per day. This makes people unhappy but really I don't think they are looking at too big a picture.

For starters, hospital stays are far more expensive than 300$ per day, regardless of the reason for being there. Next, if you can't or won't care for your aging family at home, why do you think you can be picky about where they are placed? I know everyone wants there family in the best nursing homes but I think the focus is wrong.

Geriatric patients clogging up hospital beds backs up the whole system. That's fact. Granted, that's only one cause, but it's the one we're talking about here. Nursing home fees are set by the province, one costs the same as another. If you are unhappy with the one your family member is in, my question is what are you doing to make it better? Even if it isn't a brand new facility, there are still things you can do.

It's been my experience (I used to be a charge nurse in a nursing home) that the family that squawked the most were the ones who only came to visit a few times a year. The fact remains that the population is getting older and they need to be cared for. Whose responsibility is it? Family or government? If you cannot or will not take the job on yourself (many can't, most won't) and you are relying on nursing home placements, the onus falls to you to help make it as positive an experience as possible. I could list a dozen ways to do this, but that's not where I wanted to go with this note.

Next topic.

The natives. Holy canoli the natives. I have never been supportive of their illegal activities and if my opinion counts (and lets face it, it doesn't) give them what they want.

If they as a people want to be a nation unto themselves, say yes. Why not give them a large parcel of land and make it a brand new country (let's call it "Nativeland" for sake of argument) and any status native that wants to can move there, our government can even help with the relocation. Give them a one time lump sum to set themselves up and that's it. No more government money. Period. If they want to come and go from Nativeland to Canada for shopping or to see a show or what have you, they go through customs on each end.

They will have to build embassies in any country they want to have diplomatic ties with, hire and train their own armed forces and emergency services. Build schools and hospitals etc. And they have to pay for it themselves the same way every other nation does. By taxation of their citizens. What do you think will happen next?

Next topic.

Slurpees are awesome.

This is what has been occupying my thoughts lately.

Be well all.

Long live the Duke!

2007-05-28T09:59:00.000-04:00

So I don't blog much anymore. I was asked recently if it was because of work, and it's not. For those who aren't aware, there is a young lady or two at work who like to look at my blog (note I didn't say read), pick a word or two from each paragraph and then delight in telling others how, based on these words, I'm anti-union or something else equally asinine. This is not the case. There's just really very little I want to blog about.

There are one or two thing stirring my my noodle however that I think will find there way here in due course. The first was a milestone this past Saturday. May 26, 2007, would have been the 100Th birthday of John Wayne. This is important for a couple of reasons.

First is my dad. Through him I became quite a John Wayne fan. He and I have watched many a movie together, gives me warm fuzzies.

Second is what John Wayne represents, at least to me. The Duke was always black and white, right and wrong, good vs. bad. He was masculine without being sexist (anyone who disagrees should watch him and Maureen O'Hara on screen together) and to me represents the epitome of manhood. The Hamilton Spectator ran a whole page on the Duke in Saturday's newspaper including 100 reasons to cherish his memory. These were taken from his movies and from conversations with him. See the whole list here.

I'm going to put here some of my favorites from the list.

2. That walk.
6. "A man ought to do what he thinks is right." (Hondo)
7. For the gentile way he could treat a fragile woman.
8. For the rump-slapping way he could treat a strong woman.
11. "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to others and I expect the same from them." (The Shootist)
14. For the incredibly cool way he cocks his rifle by twirling it in both Stagecoach and True Grit.
17. Because in spite of his reputation for invulnerability, he eagerly took on the task of playing deeply lonely men who die.
26. Because he was the first one on the set in the morning and the last one to leave.
28. "I wouldn't do that if I was you." (Hondo)
30. Because he would play anything except weak.
33. Because it didn't make any difference whether the movie was great, good or terrible, it was still John Wayne.
34. The voice.
35. "That'll be the day." (The Searchers)
43. The Quiet Man.
49. Fort Apache.
54. Because he didn't mind playing a one-eyed old fat man.
57. Because he never gave a damn about critics.
58. Because onscreen he always wanted a woman who was his full equal.
59. Because his characters were always willing to endure the consequences of their actions.
60. For having the integrity to put his money where his political mouth was and produce, direct and star in The Alamo and The Green Berets.
65. Because he was loyal.
66. "You're awful pretty when you're angry." (The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance)
69. "Fill your hand, you son of a bitch!" (True Grit)
74. Because he loved dogs, and not the ones you'd think. He had springer spaniels and dachshunds.
75. Because he could suggest a terrible sorrow beneath a heroic exterior.
76. Because the dog in Hondo was actually played by Lassie, and when he won the dog in a card game from trainer Rudd Weatherwax, he gave him back.
80. "I stopped getting the girl about 10 years ago. Which is just as well, because I'd forgotten what I wanted her for."
85. "All I do is sell sincerity and I've been selling the hell out of that since I started."
86. For the graceful way he confronted the disease that was already taking his life in The Shootist.
87. Because when he was dying of cancer, in excruciating pain, he never complained.
93. "I made Rio Bravo because I didn't like High Noon. I didn't think a good town marshal was going to run around town like a chicken with his head cut off asking everyone to help."
99. For the way he lifts Natalie Wood above his head in The Searchers, then quickly brings her down to cradle her like a child.

I think today where young men and boys try to emulate and idolize gangsters and thugs, we need more like John Wayne. Jaci already knows that when we have kids, they will grow up watching John Wayne movies with their dad.

Like I did.

Be well all.

Duh Mass

2007-04-28T15:04:00.000-04:00

So I was reading today's newspaper and I was once again floored by the stupidity of the common teenager. Now I'm not picking on teenagers in general, just the stupid ones. I'm sure that any teenager reading this will say something akin to "that's not me, he's talking about someone else, I'm invincible".

A young lady, all of eighteen years old, was clocked on the Lincoln Alexander Parkway (which has a posted limit of 90 kph) doing 194 kph. Her excuse? She thought she had run over something and was trying to "shake it loose". The full story is here, but it's small and I've given you most of it.

At that speed, she doesn't get a ticket, she gets a summons to appear before a judge who will I most sincerely hope, take her licence away for a long, long, time. Long enough that her children will be driving her around.

Some of those who read this blog are in my line of work or something similar (firefighter, nurse, cop etc) and have seen the results time and time again of teenage stupidity. I'll grant you that stupidity is most certainly not restricted to teenagers, but teenagers have their own distinct brand of duh-massness.

News headlines local and abroad are filled too often with stories about excessive speed. Almost six months ago, my old partner Darren responded to a man who was cut in half after being hit by a speeder. But it doesn't stop.

I don't get it.

Facebook

2007-04-11T23:53:00.000-04:00

So this evening I was talking to two of my co-workers that I see regularly, and a worker at St. Joseph’s Hospital about Facebook. Jaci has been into it for a few weeks now and I started up maybe a week and a half ago.

There are some things that I have noticed. There are many listed as “friends” that I work with, or talk to, or otherwise communicate in some fashion on a reasonably regular timetable. There are also a number of people that I haven’t seen, or spoken to in some time. Either old classmates, work mates, etc etc.

So I have been beginning to ask myself, if I haven’t spoken with in , why is that? Did we grow apart? Did we make attempts to stay in contact but one of us wasn’t that interested? Or was it simply that while we were together in a particular context we got along really well and then we both went different ways. It’s not that we didn’t or wouldn’t get along famously, our life paths are just different.

Case in point is a guy named Eric. We were roommates one summer (2000 I think) and we got along very well. Same interests, hung with the same crowd, same sense of humour, the works. After the summer, whenever we would see each other or talk, we’d laugh and have a great time. But we’ve moved on. We keep saying that we’ll get together, and maybe we will but for now we chat once in awhile on MSN and that works for us.

The other side of the coin is that some people are in our past for a reason. It’s not necessarily that you don’t (or didn’t) like them but you didn’t see the need to stay in touch once school was over, or you changed jobs, or whatever. Should you add them as a facebook friend? If they want to add you, it’s easy to say “no” but who wants to be the cause of someone else’s rejection? I (usually) don’t. I also have issues about the word “friend”, about which please refer to an earlier post.

So the conundrum continues.

Call me old fashioned, but I would rather send or get an email, or dare I say it, a phone call! Even if they are few and far between, it’s seems much more personal. I like personal.

It seems that old fashioned letter writing was replaced by the large scale use of the telephone, which was replaced by email (poorly formatted letter writing) which is being replaced by text messaging and “wall” graffiti. Makes you wonder why some have a hard time understanding why it is that common and effective communication is no longer common or effective.

Be well all.

"You are hereby sentanced....."

2007-03-14T08:27:00.000-04:00

Jaci and I are on vacation this week and have bee in Kingston since Saturday. We both really enjoy coming here for pretty well the same reasons.
1) Away from home is away from home.
2) Kingston is a very nice city to come visit.
3) To see Jaci’s family

Many married folk will take great delight in regaling others with stories of the dreaded “in-laws”. I however, can’t. Jaci has a great family. I always enjoy spending time with her brothers, sister, and in particular her parents. Really I could go on for hours about how great it is to spend time with Debi and Stan (Jac’s mom and dad) but that’s not really the point of this missive.

Yesterday Jaci and I shadowed Stan and Debi. Almost like it was a “Take your kid to work day”. Jaci with Debi and me with Stan. In case you aren’t aware, Jaci’s parents are Salvation Army Officers (ministers and so much more) who are currently appointed to Corrections in Kingston. If you have never been to Kingston there are about eight jails, prisons and/or penitentiaries in the area. Debi is mostly in the courts with families (of the accused or the victim) while Stan is mostly in the jails. There is of course a lot more that they do (anger management training, escorts, etc), but to detail everything would again, detract from the point of the missive.

So what is the point? Simply put, prisoners. Call them what you like, prisoner, inmate, convict, wrongly convicted, it makes little difference. I have held the long-term belief that those in jail deserve to be there. While they are there they should have very few “rights” and privileges should be hard to earn and pulled away at the slightest hint of infraction. If they believed that they could take away the basic rights of another, why should they get to keep theirs?

Needless to say my visit to first Pittsburgh and then Joyceville were eye-opening experiences. I won’t bore you with all the details, but I will mention one man that I met, I’ll call him “J”. He is currently serving his twenty-third year of a life sentence for rape/murder. J has been married for seventeen years now and when he will likely be released on parole soon (he’ll be on parole until he dies, life means life after all) he will move in with his long time wife and they have never spent more than a few hours at a time together. Almost like they’ll be newlyweds.

Stan and Debi will be doing marriage counseling with them right from the get-go to help ease this transition but the point that I am taking an awfully long time to get to is that my experience with J has left me changed. His openness and his candor about his crime and his experiences on the inside were both shocking and refreshing. He spoke at great length on how he knew that his problems stemmed from alcohol and how it took some time, even inside, to come to terms with that, and to begin the process of making himself a better human being.

Despite his crimes, I believe J to be a good man; He appears to have a sincere desire to use his experiences to help others face some of the same problems and issues that plagued him. He is worried about being “out” and rightly so but seems to be doing everything he can and then some to make the transition as smooth as possible.

He will likely be released soon. Statistically, those in his situation rarely re-offend and don’t present any more danger to society than you or I do. I wish him the best and will be forever grateful to him because through him I am forced to re-examine how I look at things.

I am also grateful to Stan to taking me around for the day and showing me everything he did. It may take some time for me to change my thinking on prisoners. I may never completely change my mind but if I may wax poetic for a moment, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Be well all.

Birthday musings....

2007-03-04T11:53:00.000-05:00

So today is my birthday. Thirty-two years old. No longer in my twenties, not even thirty, I am now absolutely "thirty-something".

So it's not like I was surprised by the day, I know it's coming every year. This year it seems different though; and I have been reflecting on it and why I think it's different.

For one, I'm all grown up. I've been established in my career for several years now, I've been happily married for more than a year. While there are no kids yet there are two cats and a dog. Jaci and I have wills and powers of attorney, we even have life insurance.

My way of thinking has changed dramatically and I think for the better from my youth. Some examples:

Faith. I always considered myself a faithful man, but in the past little while I have really been examining my faith, studying it to try and give myself a better and deeper understanding. These days I feel like my spiritual journey is moving ahead with leaps and bounds. While I don't understand everything and likely never will, the understanding that I have been getting has been leaving me satisfied and wanting more.

Drinking. I don't do it nearly as often or in the quantities that I used to. I am really getting too old for that crap. While I really enjoy a beer on a hot day, or a glass of nice wine, these days I am more than content to stop there. And really, once you've had Debi's Elf Punch, everything else seems bland and unsatisfying.

Swearing. While I still swear at work sometimes, I have been making serious efforts to curtail it. While as an adult, one is allowed to say whatever you want. I am finding that because I'm an adult I would rather use other words to express my opinion. That being said, when I stub my toe in the middle of the night I realize I still have a long way to go.

There are other things I have been reflecting on of course, but those are the top three.

So now I am going to get myself some lunch and enjoy my day. Jaci has made enough Elf Punch so that I will be able to drink as much as I want all day long. Gone are that days where a birthday meant staying out for all hours of the night. Now I look most forward to spending quiet time with my lady love and any friends or family that may happen to call or stop by.

Be well all.

The Missing Linc

2007-02-12T13:08:00.000-05:00

The world today is full of problems. This is not news. Open a newspaper to something more than the comics, or switch on the evening news and you will see war, famine, turmoil and strife at every corner of the globe. Depressing, I know.

I don't profess to know how to solve the problems of the world (maybe once I become dictator though....), but my dearly departed and beloved Gramma always said "Take care of the pennies, and the pounds take care of themselves." By which she meant that if you fix small things, one after another, sooner or later the big things will be taken care of along the way.

So how does that work itself down to our level? I think most of us would say that we are going through life being as good a person as we can be. My question is, are we really?

If we truly examine ourselves, how good are we? How often do you say something that isn't true? Size really doesn't matter here, a lie is a lie. How often will you see or hear something and say to yourself "Someone should say/do something about that; just not me."

My point it that all too often we will let something go because we don't want the confrontation, we don't think it's our place to get involved, or we fear being seen as foolish. Even with my big mouth I'm guilty of that as well.

So what has been prompting this train of thought? Two words: Lincoln Alexander. He has always been someone I have looked up to and admired and back in December I had the chance to meet him again in Westdale when he was doing a book signing for his autobiography. Needless to say I was tickled pink, I was giddy the whole day.

Finally on Saturday past I had the chance to read the book. I was not disappointed. The things this man has done, the challenges he has faced, and the way he has lived his life have filled me with a deepening sense of respect and admiration for this giant of a man. If you are unfamiliar with him, I urge you to learn more about him.

The world I think, needs heroes. People of all ages need someone to look up to. Many today, and largely the youth are admiring and emulating sports figures, musicians, actors, essentially those with fame and fortune. While I don't think this is all together wrong (I always wanted to play like Grover Covington), I think that the reasoning has to be looked at.

To say that you want to play like Jerry Rice, sing like Pavarotti, or act like Robert Redford is not a bad thing. I believe you fall to the curb when you say you want to live like Jerry Rice because he can run and catch a football. I also believe that many in the public eye don't pay enough attention to the fact that they are role models whether they like it or not and that they have a responsibility to act accordingly. Comes along with the multi-million dollar contract. I've posted before a quote from Churchill "With greatness comes responsibility."

Lincoln Alexander is someone that always realized the responsibility that comes with each position he held. As an example, he was a smoker from a young age, and even during his vice-regal position as Ontario's Lieutenant-Governor (1985 - 1991). Most people didn't know that because he took great pains never to smoke in public because of the young people that might be looking to him as a role model.

How many of us can say that? Anyone that is in a position of trust and or authority is a role model whether they know it or not. I can tell you from my more than a decade of working with teens that everything you say and do is noted and at times emulated. It has been said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, but to have someone tell me they smoke because they saw me smoking is a weight I don't want on my conscience.

As an officer, when I was a coach, even today in my job I always try to be aware of how I am acting and what I am saying when I'm around others. I'm not for an instant saying that I am good enough to be a role model, but I am aware that it may happen anyway and try to act accordingly.

So how does all this tie into the problems of today? If we all look up to and therefore emulate someone because they're good, honest and decent, how would we turn out? If we all tried to act good, honest and decent because of who might be looking at us, how would others turn out?

Lincoln Alexander is as good and decent a man as you can get. He has his flaws and has never run from them, but has done his best to be better than them. He is more a hero to me today than yesterday and I count myself fortunate that I was able to shake his hand.

I hope that someday, someone will say the same about me, and you.

Be well all.

Rocky Lives!

2007-01-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

I'll start by saying that today marks one year to the day that I have been blogging; and for the most part the experience has been positive. The only real negative side sadly has come from a few at work. I'll explain.

A few months ago one co-worker sent out a mass e-mail to many at HEMS with a link to my blog site for their "reading pleasure". I was naturally not included but it did make it's way to me in short order. Why would this person do this? While I'm not sure exactly, and frankly don't care too much, I am reasonably certain it wasn't because she thought highly of me and my writing. While I didn't ask for this attention, I am fully cognizant that it is a public forum with all that that entails. This sparked some negative comments on my blog but more importantly many more private and positive comments.

The positive comments have been very encouraging but a number have said they didn't want to draw attention to themselves by those that seem to have nothing better to do with their time than follow me around in my off hours. A position that I understand, but saddens me to realize that such pettiness exists to create such a position.

However, I digress. Today I saw the movie Rocky Balboa. This came highly recommended by my brother-in-law Gary. Needless to say I took this recommendation with a grain of salt because he doesn't like Godfather, which as most men will tell you is one of the best movies ever (aside from Star Wars of course!). Very shortly after the movie started I was captured and by the end, enthralled.

I was expecting a lame attempt to make some money by an actor that hasn't done anything good in ages and likely needs to make a mortgage payment. However I was taken aback by the quality of this film.

It showed a parallel between an aged and retired fighter who is trying to live his life as best he can and a current champion who has never faced a challenging opponent. The movie flips from the affluent Las Vegas to south Philly where the neighborhood looks a little run down (ok, a lot) but if you listen you can hear the heartbeat of the working middle class. And if you look past the peeling paint, you can see the character within.

I'm not going to get into to much detail and spoil the movie for you, but I will say that watching the fight gave me the same "root for the underdog" feeling that I had twenty odd years ago when I first saw "Rocky". It's definitely worth the price of admission; and I recommend anyone that enjoyed the original to see this movie. I don't believe for one minute you will be disappointed.

I will leave you with this one "Balbo-ism" from the movie: It doesn't matter how hard life hits you. It matters how hard life hits you and you keep moving forward.

Be well all.

The first of 2007!

2007-01-04T15:23:00.000-05:00

Well happy new year's to everyone! The new year is usually a time for reflection and resolution and I have certainly done my share. I'm not going to bore you with everything but I will share some things.

Family. Jaci and I have been in many discussions about where we want our life to go in the future. Should we move? When? Where? Kids? etc etc etc. I'm happy to report that we have made no decisions but we have so many options open at this time that the next twelve months should be exciting!

Jaci is also missing playing in a band; particularly around Christmas. So she secured from her dad his cornet. Which he purchased when he was sixteen years old. I'm not going to say how old it is (just in case Stan reads my blog!) but lets just say it's been around a block once or twice. So Jac is talking about looking for a band to start playing with. We'll keep you posted on that!

Work. If you have been reading comments (like on the blog before last), there are one or two work types that aren't happy with my blog. If you read carefully you'll realize they didn't. Regardless, I am leaving John St. and moving to straight days, this I believe is going to be very positive in many ways. That's all I will say about that for now before I am accused of plotting the downfall of western civilization!

Freeway. All is going well I think on that front. Mentoring with Mark is going well, as well as Tuesday night study and the Thursday pub are filled with fun and frivolity. Pernell and I have some quality time booked to expand my horizons further and I am looking forward to that.

Resolutions:

be a better husband, friend, person
commit to losing weight (ie get off my backside and do it)
finish my current reading - 800 pages down, 1300 or so to go.
read all the books I got for Christmas.
read more in general
stretch my intellect

So to bring things around, 2007 is gearing up to have some exciting possibilities. There are some other things in the air right now but this is not the right forum (for obvious reasons) and the timing isn't right just yet. Again, I'll keep you posted as I am able.

I hope everyone enjoyed their new year's eve; I know I did (in Kingston) and that everyone's 2007 is blessed.

May your best day in the old year equal your worst day in the next.

Be well all.

Two more sleeps 'till SANTA!

2006-12-23T11:40:00.000-05:00

Christmas is right on our door step and I have been thinking on the day and what it means. To the Christian faithful it is a celebration of the birth of Christ. Although most theological scholars believe that he was born sometime in the spring. Nevertheless we use this day every year to celebrate his birth.

To non-believers it's a day that is highly commercialised and a time of great stress as we dash from store to store, fighting the mobs trying to find the perfect gift for someone that we hope is doing the same thing for us. It is a day that most get off work and for those who don't it means a lot more money to do the same job as you would normally do, but someone decided this day should be a holiday (the word is derived from Holy Day) and you should be compensated for having to work it.

Some people shop all year round and avoid the mobs (these people are generally smarter than most and are also usually women). Most people will also tell you that it's the giving of gifts that makes the day rather than the receiving of gifts. Tell that to a small child and see how far it gets you!

However I digress. December 25th is undeniably Christian, whether you are or not. The whole day is fraught with Christian symbolism. From the lights on the tree, to candy canes (the Indiana story is not true if you are looking it up), even to the giving of gifts. Incidentally, my beloved Jaci for as long as she can remember says that she and her family only got three gifts on Christmas; because if three gifts was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for them.

I love Chistmas and since I have been married, the day has been developing meanings than run deeper than the superficial. The more I look, the more I find and more than ever I am seeing how the feelings of the day should be kept throughout the year.

How would the world be I wonder? If everyone that celebrates Christmas kept the spirit year round, how much brighter would it be? Instead of standing back and critiquing, would we offer more hands to help?

Most non-Christian faiths have celebrations around this time as well. The Jewish have Chanukah which is technically a festival. The giving of gifts during this time I have been told is the Americanized version. Traditionally the only gift is Chanukah geld, which today usually means foil covered chocolate (or chocolate covered money to Karyn). During this time there is merry making, and eating, and wishing others well.

Islam has Eid ul-Fitr at this time (usually shortened to Eid). This commemorates the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is marked with celebration and feasting. Eid is a time to come together as a community and to renew friendship and family ties. This is a time for peace for all Muslims in the world to devote to prayers and mutual well-being.

Call me crazy but this all sounds eerily similar. So imagine if you will, if the spirit of Christmas, Chanukah, and Eid ul-Fitr were kept the year round? You know what might happen? Maybe some Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward men?

At any rate, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and I sincerely hope the Spirit fills you with as much happiness as it does me.

Be well all.

The leadership debate continues....

2006-12-09T08:59:00.000-05:00

So since my post on leadership a little more than a month ago, I have still been thinking on various aspects. There has also been some major changes on the local and national leadership scenes that I think merit some comments if not discussion.

Locally, Larry Di Ianni got the boot. I was greatly surprised and exceedingly happy to learn that the citizens of Hamilton voted in Fred Eisenberger as our new mayor. Di Ianni was a crook and I'm happy he now has time to think about how he screwed this city.

The federal liberals have a new leader in Stephane Dion. Going into the leadership convention Dion was a desolate fourth of seven candidates when most believed there wasn't really more than two candidates and Gerard Kennedy barking at their heels. Who would have thought that the man the federal liberals decided would be the best choice to lead them and (they hope) the country has two citizenships. That's right, their man Steph holds not only Canadian, but also French passports.

Does this mean that if Steph fails as a Canadian politician, he can always resort to getting a job with the French. Am I the only one that thinks he should hold loyalty only to the nation he wants to lead? Apparently so. I have to say that I'm a little disappointed. More than a little actually.

Onto the law enforcement front. The RCMP are going to be getting a new boss. Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli is resigning his position. Some would think in disgrace, but I do not. His handling of the Arar case was to say the least piss-poor. However, he is still (as of this writing) the only federal official that has apologized to Arar. In addition to which, Zaccardelli is not getting a "golden parachute". He is retiring with only the pension he has earned through the RCMP. I think he finally realized that regardless of how political his job is, he is first and foremost a cop, and a leader of cops.

Zaccardelli refused to discipline subordinates and instead took the blame for all that has happened. He apologized for his actions and the actions of the RCMP and when he was told that he no longer held the confidence of his boss, he tendered his resignation. All of which are marks of a good leader.

All of this brings me to where I am going with this missive. Point number one: when someone attains a leadership position, one of their responsibilities is to train their replacement. Jean Cretien trained Paul Martin (before the rift) but Martin didn't train his replacement. Which lead to a months long fight for the leadership and resulted in a leader with French citizenship.

Point number two: people in leadership roles should never be comfortable. There is a reason that people who hold leadership positions are given limits on the term of office. The problem lies when these same people get so concerned with keeping their job, that they forget to do their job. Their are countless examples of this.

Where you don't, as a general rule, see this behavior is the military. If you are appointed to a command position, your term is usually three years. If you do really well, you will get another, and hopefully better position. The point is that you know you will not be in your current job in a few years so you make every effort to leave the job in a better position than when you found it.

Should this idea be mandated? Interesting question. Even if someone is elected should they still be forced out after so long? For instance, you can only be President of the US for two terms. I think this is good; it should make them think about what they leave behind.

Take for example the union leadership at work. The same core people have been basically doing the same job for years. They are voted in year after year. The question is, are they voted in because the majority believe they are doing the job better than anyone else can do it? Or instead is it that no one who wants a change is brave enough to be seen in opposition to the establishment? I can only speak for myself and what I know from firsthand knowledge and I will say the side of that fence you land on generally depends on how long you have been there.

However, I'm straying. Based on my experience, knowledge, and training, the longer you have the same job, the less likely you are to try something new and possibly innovative. So regardless of how good a leader is or is perceived to be, I believe that reasonable limits on the time on office should be mandated.

Otherwise you run the risk of a dictatorship.

Be well all.

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2006-12-04T20:25:00.000-05:00

So I am now starting to feel slightly Christmas-y. Wanna know why?

It's not that I have purchased most of the presents I am buying this year (being married means I only buy for Jaci and she takes care of everyone else!). I even have those presents wrapped! Normally I shop on the 23rd of December and the wrapping has in the past just been a tightly tied shopping bag (from the store where I bought the gift).

It's not that we have our Christmas tree up. Gary and Jaci put it up one night after I went to bed and then decorated it some time later (avec wrapped presents). It's a sad tree. Jaci's parents bought it when Jaci was born and she insisted she take it with her when they bought a new one. It's just a taller version of Charlie Brown's, but Jaci loves it.

It's not that we attended our first advent meeting at church (not the first advent, just the first one we attended). Pernell talked about the magi (or the "maggie as he called them once) and the gifts they brought. Personally I like the gold best because really, what are you going to do with scented candles and embalming spice?

It's not even that 97.3 FM has been playing non-stop Christmas music for a couple of weeks now. We have to listen to it whenever Jaci is in the car.

What is really putting me into the Christmas mood is the fact that we are currently, right this second, getting some honest to goodness, wipe off the car and get the shovel SNOW! I don't know about where you are living, but right here we are having a wonderful snowfall, not too heavy but constant.

So Jaci and I have the lights on the Christmas tree, we each have a mug of hot chocolate and we are going to enjoy the evening together.

I hope you are having as much fun as I am.

Happy ho-ho everyone!

His name is Bond, James Bond.

2006-11-26T22:34:00.000-05:00

Recently Jaci and I went to see the new James Bond flick, Casino Royale (we had a coupon). I have since been doing some reflecting; and thought I would share some of these reflections with you, my readership. Just in case you wanted an untrained opinion.

So I have been a Bond fan as long as I can remember. Some of the many things I have enjoyed about the franchise are as follows:

a. The gadgets. How awesome are they!?! Watch lasers, phone tasers, and all things uber-cool.
b. The cars. Sleek, sexy, fast cars that are loaded with, you guessed it.....more gadgets!
c. The know-how. Bond can out fly, out drive, out shoot, and out anything to anybody.
d. The fighting. Guns, knives, fists, tanks, whatever. He can fight with anything!
e. The women. 'Nuff said.

I have also liked that the movie producers don't allow swearing (good for them) or nudity (darn it) or grotesque violence (ewww). Granted there is always a lot of violence, but it's old school violence. No dismemberment, gushing blood, etc. Not to mention that he's a good guy spy and spies are just awesome!

So how does Casino Royale compare to other movies? Well, there's very few gadgets for one thing. I got over that because Daniel Craig is far and away the most physical bond I have ever seen. I wasn't overly fussy on the romantic stuff (not typical for Bond) but it does help to explain part of the Bond psyche.

As to which Bond is best? Tough question. Everyone has their favorite and most will say Sean Connery. Not I. I liked Connery but I thought that Brosnan was a much better Bond than his predecessors.

Between Brosnan and Craig? Brosnan pulls off the middle aged Bond very well and Craig does very well as a younger Bond. In the grand scheme of things Brosnan is a better actor, no question about it. However, Daniel Craig is a better Bond.

Bond fan or not, I highly recommend seeing this movie on the big screen. Bond fans will not be disappointed and Jaci is still gushing about Daniel Craig without a shirt on. She says, and I quote "(she couldn't actually speak because of the mouth full of drool)"

There's my opinion.

Be well all.

Lest We Forget

2006-11-11T12:20:00.000-05:00

In the 11th month, on the 11th day, at the 11th hour, 1918, the guns fell silent. Each year we remember, and honour, those that have served and are serving still.

I have been inspired to blog this day from three primary sources: Natasha who posted about a world famous poem, Sam who wrote a (fast becoming) locally famous poem, and Jen who posted about a veteran she remembered.

Jen's in particular got me to thinking the most because she asked "Who do you remember?" So I'm going to tell you about those I remember most today.

My grandfather, Richard O. Chadwick (my namesake). Served in the Royal Ordinance Corps 1939-1946.

My other grandfather, Harold H. Robinson, served in Royal Artillery and Military Police thoughout Europe and North Africa 1939-1945.

My uncle, William Daugherty, served 26 years in the United States Marine Corps. Retiring in the 1980's healthy in mind and body.

My uncle Douglas Berry, served in the Royal Canadian Navy for a time during the cold war. Also left the service healthy in mind and body.

No soldier starts a war, no soldier wants a war. All of the conflicts over the past century have been started by politicians who send their soldiers to enforce a political stance. Yet with few exceptions it is the soldier who faces public opinion.

It makes no difference if you support the reasons soldiers are sent into harms way, we should all always support the men and women who are sent into harms way. These are men and women who decided that they wanted to serve something greater than themselves. These are men and women who believed so strongly in a free way of life that they decided to pick up a rifle and stand a post.

In case of today, we remember those from the first and second world wars in particular. Even though there was a draft to make men fight, most volunteered. These were men who heard their country's call to arms and stepped forward. Their memory is sacred, their sacrifice even more so. Even those that didn't believe in fighting signed up because when the weak are being exterminated, someone has to stand up and stop it. Even pacifists signed up. Many front line medics were pacifists because medics are not required to carry firearms.

What does the bible say on the topic? I don't know, but it is interesting to note that one of the few Hamiltonians awarded the Victoria Cross (the highest award for bravery) in World War II was an army chaplain in the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry; LCol John Weir Foote, VC, CD. The armoury on James St. N. is named for him.

While I personally would never support war, I will always support and honour the men an women of the Armed Forces. I will leave you with th following thoughts that I first came across in my days as an army cadet. The author is unknown.

It is the soldier, not the poet, who gives us freedom of speech;
It is the soldier, not the politician, who gives us freedom of assembly;
It is the soldier, not the reporter, who gives us freedom of the press;
It is the soldier, not the clergy, who gives us freedom of religion.

It is the soldier who salutes the flag, serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag who allows the citizen to burn that flag in protest.

Never forget.

Be well all.

"The price of greatness is responsibility."

2006-11-02T14:08:00.000-05:00

Leadership.

Simplistically defined as "The art of influencing human behavior in such a way as to accomplish a task in the manner desired by the leader." Such a simple definition that teenagers have no difficulty with understanding or practicing it (when they put their mind to it).

In my reasonably short life I have been actively involved with leadership for about twenty years now. I have lead and been led, been under and in command, and existed at various rungs in different chains of command, often at the same time. Now before anyone asks if I think of myself as a good leader, I will only say that it isn't for me to judge. Usually when someone is in charge, their effectiveness is measured against those that came before, by those that will come after.

Because, or maybe in spite of my experiences, I have looked at leaders at different points in my life and measured them against my own personal yardstick. Leaders in different fields ranging from military to civilian, sports to academic, professional to political. I tend to look at anyone in a leadership role and evaluate my perception of their abilities or lack thereof.

So what's got me all hot and bothered about leadership today? I've been kicking around the idea for the blog for a week or so now; partly because of what's going on in the political arenas; and partly for other reasons.

At the federal level our elected leaders have taken leave from running the country to get into a he said/she said argument over name calling. Incidentally, the subject of the name calling (the "dog" in the dog and pony show) is doing an admirable job of trying to stay focused on the issues. Provincially they are still stuck in the Caledonia quagmire, and locally they are frantically gearing up for a municipal election on November 13th.

Locally in the mayoral race their are only two real candidates. The incumbent Larry DiIanni, and the challenger Fred Eisenberger. You may recall Mayor DiIanni recently plead guilty to taking illegal campaign contributions in the 2003 mayoral race. Yet he still says his integrity is intact. How exactly I don't know because he only plead guilty when it was obvious this issue wasn't going away. What leadership example is that showing? It is not a "pick yourself up when you're down" example I assure you. He did something wrong, denied it, lied about it, and fessed up only as a last resort. I have no respect for the man.

Is Eisenberger perfect? Nope. I do believe he's honest though; and a better leader. As a "for instance". Eisenberger doesn't believe that candidates should take campaign contributions from corporations, even though it is legal. I think Fred makes a good point because it wouldn't look good for an elected official to appear beholden to any group. So he doesn't take donations from corporations. As a consequence he doesn't have nearly the money Di Ianni has, but he is showing a better leadership example.

If you stop and look, there are leaders all around you. Good and bad. From coaches, work supervisors, and union reps to police officers, polititians and a host of others. If they are our leaders, whether we want them there or not, do we have the right to question them? You bet your butt you do. Not only is it your right to question those in leadership but it is also your responsibility.

As a personal example. At work the method for picking vacations has changed since last year and the new method is to say the least contentious. Because it's a union issue I sent an email seeking clarification from the union executive. This prompted a series of emails between myself and the local president on this issue. The local president returned each and every one of my emails promptly (usually the same day) and answered each one of my questions. Nothing was changed but I didn't expect anything to; that wasn't the point. The point was I had a burr in my saddle and wanted more information as well as making my opinion known.

We should never fear asking questions; truly the only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked. We should never fear questioning those in authority be they a Member of Parliament, a religious leader, or even your soccer coach. No leader worth their salt will ever have difficulty explaining their actions or their stance on any issue that comes from their leadership position. The caveat to that being that if the matter is private and has no bearing on the professional, we do not have the right to stick our noses in.

So to sum up. The mantle of leadership is an awesome responsibility; and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. If you can't do it, or even do it effectively, then you shouldn't have it.

Like I said earlier, this has been on my mind lately.

Thanks for stopping by.

Be well all.

My Blog

2006-10-17T21:09:00.000-04:00

So I thought I would take a few moments to explain my blog, why I do things a particular way and not others and so forth. My first disclaimer is: I believe that your personal blog is just that, yours and personal. Do with it what you will and so long as you are getting something out of it, that's what it's all about. My second disclaimer is that there are no absolutes. Just because I say "I don't do....." doesn't mean I haven't or I won't. It's just a general rule.

First about my blog that you should know that I don't blog as a diary of my day to day life. That may change once we have kids because it can be an excellent record of the day to day activities of children that can have a nasty habit of appearing as wedding stories. My blog is usually about something that is on my mind; be it a news story, an observation, or other things of that ilk.

Second is my blog title. It is in no way egomaniacal or narcissistic. My first blog details why I chose my title and if you are curious, please by all means check it out.

Third is the look. Simply put, I don't know how to change it. Pernell has promised to help me if we can ever jive our schedules. So for now, it will continue to look as it always does.

Next is timing. I try to blog about once a week; that's been my plan from the start. Sometimes it's more, sometimes less but overall I do OK. In just about 40 weeks (total) of blogging this makes entry number 55. Also, blogging for me is almost an event. I make tea, formulate what I want to say (I've usually been thinking about it for some time anyway), sit down and blog. The blog process for me is at least an hour, usually closer to two.

Finally, I think, are the comments. I enjoy getting comments, but do not respond to them on my blog. Given the choice, I always prefer face to face conversation. Please don't be upset or offended. This is not likely going to change either. Also with comments, please affix your name. It doesn't have to be a real name but I do want to know where the comment is coming from. My mother-in-law for example doesn't use her name but I know what name she uses. If the comment is negative and has no traceable name, it gets deleted.

I have no problems with people disagreeing with me. I rather enjoy spirited discussion. As an example, Steve C. and I had a great talk over an issue we have opposing views on. Neither of us changed the others mind even one iota, but it was still a great discussion.

So to sum it all up....I enjoy blogging and I hope you enjoy what I write about. I am rather enjoying doing it and hope to continue for a long while. Hopefully one day soon, Pernell and I can sit down and jazz it up a little.

Thanks for stopping by.

Base Picks

2006-10-11T09:32:00.000-04:00

Every year, we at Hamilton EMS do what is called the "base-pick". We are given a copy of the master schedule for the coming year and then by seniority we pick which squad, base, and/or partner we want to work with next year.

This year has been slightly different. Instead of taking months to do this, it has been crunched to just 5 days. What now happens is each member is given a date and time (with a ten minute window) to call the guy recording everything, an the onus is on us to make sure we call at the correct time and date. At the end of each day (picks happened between 1200 and 1600 each afternoon) Rob (the recorder) emailed to everyone an update on who has picked where so you can see what's open.

To a casual observer, this is no big deal. I however, have been agonizing over this for days. Why? You might ask because it's a good and fair question. I'll try to explain why this decision has been driving me nuts.

First, I knew I wanted out of my current base. We are right in the downtown core and I am getting sick an tired of what I call the "John St. bull". Anyone that has heard me speak of this knows what I am talking about and if you don't, just ask me and I'll delight in filling you in.

I've been working with Darren now for almost 2 years and don't get me wrong, I would still really enjoy working with him, but he still wants to stay at John St., and as I said, I don't. So when picking a new spot, there is a multitude of things to consider, and I'll try to explain them.

First is base. What are the start times? Where is it? Close to home? Do I need to take the highway to get there? Or another option is to pick a "float" spot. Floats fill in at various bases when medics are sick or take holidays.

Also to consider is the squad you pick. I was lucky that I got to see where most of the medics senior to me have picked because there are some of them that I just don't want to work with; that's just life. I'm sure there are some that don't want to work with me for a full year; not everyone clicks with everyone else. I can only think of a couple of medics lower than me I don't want to work with so that's not really a large consideration. To keep the same rotation, I would have to pick squad 2 or 4 which do 2 weeks of days and two weeks of nights (I'm currently on squad 2). Another option for the same rotation is squad 6 which works straight days. I've said for awhile now that I would like to try straight days.

Another consideration is your partner. For those who have never done it, it is hard to imagine what spending 42 hours a week with someone is like. You could argue that you spend that and more with a spouse and I would counter that you likely had years to decide that you wanted that kind of commitment to each other. Here I've got days.

For those that work in an office, pick one person in the office and wonder what it would be like to sit beside them for 42 hours a week. It isn't easy. Jaci often refers to Darren as my work wife. I will say that I have been very fortunate.

Two years ago Darren and I decided to work together on a whim and I think I would be hard pressed to find a better partner. We also became quick and fast friends. We have eaten in each other’s homes, know each other’s families, I was at the dedication of his first son (he now has two more sons and a daughter who are 6 days old now); and he was one of twp people from work invited to my wedding (where he sang a lovely rendition of Edelweiss). Not that I wouldn't have liked more, but we had an intentionally small wedding. Darren and I know each other well enough that we can communicate with few or no words and that takes time and a willingness to develop.

Also to consider is who on the disabled list picked and where. For example, John Doe picked a nice spot but he's hurt his back and won't be back on the road for at least a year. This means that his spot will become open to others on that squad. So if I pick that squad and have decent seniority, I may get a good spot for that reason.

Yet another consideration for me was my sweet Jaci. With her in school and eventually teaching; I thought that a straight days squad would be preferable so I would be home every night. I much prefer sleeping in my own bed nestled with my love than trying to catch a few Z's in the front cab of the ambulance. It also makes for a healthier sleep schedule.

So many things to consider and I thought of them all. Hence the agonizing. Jaci was very patient with me during this process and helped me considerably.

So the end result? I opted for squad 6 (straight days) in a float position. There is an excellent likelihood that a spot I want will open up on that squad. I'll keep you posted.

Be well all.

I'm sorry, what did you say?!?

2006-10-10T01:36:00.000-04:00

So I have this idea for a rant. Something that has been grinding my gears for some time and this morning I have decided to finally put my thoughts onto electronic paper.

My rant du jour is on language; and bad language at that. Not just cursing, although I will attempt to address that, but on the everyday use of the Queen's English.

What brought this particular pimple to a head was a discussion I was having with my beautiful bride about a history assignment she was doing for school. We were talking about Canada's role in World War II and MacKenzie-King's (in)famous "Conscription if necessary but not necessarily conscription". Needless to say I was thrilled to be having this kind of conversation with my love where we are both actively engaging our intellect (hers is greater than mine I'm proud to say).

I was able to find for her his actual speech where he explains to everyday Canadians about the referendum that will happen that will morally release him from a campaign promise. If you want to read the speech, check it out here. This is where the idea for this rant really starts to come to the forefront.

MacKenzie King was an educated man and he was addressing a population where only a select few had any post-secondary education. Many did not finish highschool, yet he speaks to these masses without "dumbing down" his language. Why? Our parents were taught how to speak and comprehend the English language; that's why.

They were taught at school and by the examples of their parents. They didn't have powerful tools like computers, internet and spell checking. They used books, spelling tests, essay writing and other methods to produce adults that could effectively communicate orally or in writing. Shocking isn't it?

Just last night at work I was watching people come out of a dance club and an example of some words I heard the most of: dawg, 'ho, gee (which is actually a word, but it usually pertains to horses), dis (with dissed and dissing) as well as a host of curses and swearing enough to make a sailor blush. Also, many would say "Word" like it was a complete sentence. I don't get it. What word?

The argument can easily be made that the inability to effectively communicate easily leads to frustration. Frustration leads to anger and anger leads to the dark side (as per Master Yoda). Not at all good.

So where did education take a left? Who decided this was "ok" and allowed it to continue to the point where it is now rampant? I don't know. I do know that I don't like it. I also know that my ability to change it is practically non-existent. This will all change if course when I become dictator but for the mean time I just bang my head into the wall.

Is it because it's easier to speak that way? Less thought makes life better? I don't know and I can only guess. Any time I try to ask people why they speak like that they just laugh (you know, LOL, LMAO and the like).

As for swearing, wow could I ever go on! I'll grant you that I have been guilty often of swearing; and that in no way excuses anything but I will still get my two cents in on this topic. I have often said and have tried to teach youngsters that swearing is used by those that don't have the intellect or vocabulary to communicate effectively. Barring the occasional stubbed toe or sudden fright; there really is no need for it.

Over the past few years Jaci has been helping me with my language choices in that I have always tried not to swear around ladies and as she's always around, my swearing instances have therefore taken a dramatic nose dive. With that being said, I have felt my face flush over some things I have heard from kids much too young to know the meaning of those kinds of words.

Is there anything that can be done? Is there enough soap to wash all the mouths? I don't know. The only thing I think I can do is try to set the best example that I can, particularly when we have kids.

At any rate, the hour is long and my eyes are heavy.

Thanks for reading, and be well all.

Car 54! Where are you?

2006-09-25T22:49:00.000-04:00

So I had Saturday and Sunday off work and I was supposed to work so I did something a little different. I went on a ride along with the Hamilton Police Service. I opted for Saturday night because "B" Squad was on and these are the folks that I usually see in the course of my regular work. I have to say I had a GREAT time!

Ever since I was a young kid (I don't usually say 'little') I have always held police officers in a very high regard. I was taught that if you were in trouble you could always go to the police and they will help you. You also always treat them with the greatest respect because their very job is to protect and serve the citizenry.

So because of this and because I wanted a better understanding of the job they do is why I tried for this opportunity. I see and talk to many officers fairly often and it never hurts for one emergency service to have a better understanding of another. So off I went.

So needless to say I was thrilled to no end to ride along for awhile. When I was in the parade room at the start of the shift and all of the familiar faces were surprised to see me and seemed genuinely pleased that I was taking my off time to do this. I was assigned to ride with constable Cathy. Last name shall remain vacant. I've seen her dozens of times on various scenes so we already knew each other somewhat.

So first is find the cruiser. No luck. We have the keys to a car, but the car is MIA. No worries, we go get keys to another car. She first shows me how she "runs" a plate. I'm told that she will often run a plate for any number of reasons; such as the car seems out of place, is trying to avoid her cruiser, or just because she's stopped at a light. I am stunned at how fast she gets this info. It takes literally about 5 seconds from transmitting the plate number to getting all the info in the computer. Who owns the car, license number, address, any and all problems they have had with the police, restrictions if any and tons more info. She even let me run a few plates.

On a side note, you will be happy to learn that neither myself, Jaci, or her Aunt Wendy are wanted by the police!

Shortly after we are investigating a report of youths fighting and we have a young man (16 years old) who's exceptionally drunk in the back of the cruiser. He dodges some questions about his age and name and finally comes clean. I didn't know this, but it is actually a crime to not identify yourself to a police officer. You may have the right to remain silent, but you still have to tell them who you are.

This young man pukes ALL OVER the back of the cruiser. Nothing but and orange juice smell mixed with vomit. Lovely. Off to the lock-up where he's booked for "drunk" and back to the key board for a new car. Turns out there is a service that cleans out the cruisers when people release various body fluids.

So with a new car we are off to a bomb threat. Our job is to watch over the pay phone where the threat was made to make sure it stays intact so it can be fingerprinted. CSI is crap, real police work takes time and legwork. This I have learned.

While we are doing this, two other cops (which is short for Constable On Patrol) respond to an allegedly unconscious man who at one point hits one of the officers. I see both of them at the station, Tim and Frank (Frank got hit and he's fine). This one incident and the obvious arrest that ensued will occupy these two officers for seven to eight HOURS with the paperwork.

There aren't NEARLY as many cops on the street as there should be and each arrest generates literally HOURS of paperwork. I was stunned. Nothing like EMS. We have such a small amount to do that I sometimes forget how the rest of the world works. Ridiculous.

At any rate we are off to an MVC (Motor Vehicle Collision). We got there well ahead of the ambulance so I did my thing and did some triaging and one of the victims was a little girl (she's fine) who was understandably upset. None of the responding police had any Teddy Bears (Optimists Club provides them) so the call went out and within minutes there arrived some more police to drop off a teddy bear to the girl and one for her sister. Turns out it was a tactical van. My funny bone was very tickled to see soft brown teddy bears coming out the window of a SWAT truck.

We did a lot of other things as well that night and I will sum up some of the things I have learned.

1. In EMS, our dispatch calls us on the radio using our truck number. With police, they use the "beat" number. Ours was 1377. Right in the downtown core. This means that if a call comes up in our beat and we are available, we go and we take the lead. This does not stop us from responding all over the place.

2. Ever see a cruiser drive fast without its lights on? I have but I have since realized the hard way that often police want to approach a scene in "stealth". Lights and a siren will scare away the prowler in your backyard but catching them red handed is better.

3. The amount of paperwork that has to be done if an arrest is made is obscene. This takes cops off the road for long periods of time.

4. We need more cops. Lots of them. Toronto is five times the size of Hamilton and has ten times the cops. Do the math.

I am very grateful to Cathy for taking me around and showing me the ropes. My eyes have been opened wider and I have a much better understanding. My respect for police officers has grown even greater.

It's hard to fully understand until you try to walk a mile in their steel-toed boots what it is they really do. I have only spent 11 hours on the police side of things and I still have only scratched the tip of the ice berg. It really is hard to understand the mindset of the average cop.

For example, gun shot goes off, what happens? People duck and run, if they're smart. I as a paramedic still duck, but will approach with caution to see if I can help only after the scene is made safe. Not cops. Cops run toward the gunshot and will first put themselves between you and danger, before doing anything else. They are first in harm's way for you. You have to respect that.

If any read the Hamilton Spectator on August 29th, you may remember Susan Clairmont's article about the free coffee. All I can say is that if I owned a coffee shop in this town, no street cop would ever put their hand in their pocket.

To sum up, even knowing that not all cops are the best of people; I respect them as an occupation even more than I ever have. Thanks again Cathy.

Be well.

Definately a wreck; try not to stare.

2006-09-20T23:23:00.000-04:00

Third post in a week; I think I may be setting a new personal record!

Anyhoo.... Do you ever get the feeling that you need to be doing something else? Something different? Put a new spin to an old method maybe? Not change everything, just tweak things a little; or add something new. I don't quite know how to explain it but I have been feeling for a little while that there might be something missing or incomplete in my life.

Don't get me wrong, I know that I have a wonderful life and am truly blessed. I have my health (reasonably so at any rate), I have a beautiful wife that I love more than anything else, I have a career that I love, great friends, cats who ignore me and a dog that likes to dive bomb my nads. What else could there be? There will be kids at some point but not now, Jac and I are still exploring the husband and wife bit and kids will come. So I don't know what it is.

I just feel that there's a hole where something ought to be. I cannot, however quite put my finger on it.

What I have done is added some new outings to my (and our) schedule. Jen and I are starting up the pup nights. I would say "again", but I have never had the chance to attend one so its all new ground for me. I have also volunteered to be the "point man" for the Wednesday night FRWY dinner/discussion group.

In addition to this, I sent an email to Fred Eisenberger volunteering to help in his mayoral race. Mainly because I know Fred and he's a good guy. I also think he's the best man for the job. To date I haven't heard back from him which is disappointing, but c'est la vie.

Tonight I was talking to Mark in our usual bi-weekly meeting and the idea came up for a "Bible Study for Dummies" which I would be interested in attending. He tells me that it is distinctly possible for this to occur.

So where am I going with this train wreck of a blog? Really, I have no idea.

My life is busy, and it will get intentionally busier; but I still feel like there is something not there. I have thoughts on the matter but they are, thus far, far too personal and new to share in this kind of format. I still haven't thought everything through in my own little mind.

Onto a somewhat relevant tangent. I was listening to music while walking tonight and the following lyrics from a Wicked song stuck with me:
"It's time to trust my instincts / close my eyes and leap!
It's time to try defying gravity."

Stay tuned.

Parent Trap

2006-09-15T14:57:00.000-04:00

The local newspaper has been filling column inches with information about the tragic happenings in Montreal. Journalists are speculating as to why a young man would try to kill so many young people in a seemingly random and senseless act. The news reports are making a big deal with his association to a "Goth" lifestyle.

I have often seen many youths who call themselves "Goth" face ridicule because of the clothes they wear, the music they listen to, or how they present themselves. I think that's unfair. While it's true their clothing tends to be dark, at least their pants are pulled up and you can't see their underwear. As far as music interests go, speaking as an avid fan of Neil Diamond and John Denver, I can not criticize anyone's choice in music; even though Goth music does not appeal to me in the slightest. Really though, can anyone who used to buy and listen to NKOTB is in no position to point and snigger.

Which brings me to my first point. Goth is largely just a group of people that shop at the same stores. In my highschool days you could easily point out the preppies, skids, skaters, stoners and band geeks to name a few. In case you are wondering, I was a Band Geek (intentionally capitalized). It has been my experience in my years working with teens that Goths are basically harmless.

They are for the most part young people who don't feel like they belong to any other group and like most people they want to have friends and belong. By and large, gothic style provides an outlet for these folks to express themselves without fear because everybody does their own thing within a larger group. Some hide behind false personas but I have found many to be creative and at the same time very introverted.

So from an armchair point of view, it's unfair to blame a gothic existence for violence. So where does it all come from? Violence, particularly with teens has been on the rise for the last 10-15 years, and it has risen sharply in the past few. Why? Is the problem societal? Parental? I believe there are many factors involved that by themselves are harmless but taken together produce lasting harm.

Parenting for me is the big one. There is a large lack of responsible parenting. Kids need to be taught that yes, you are going to fall on your face and it will often hurt quite a bit. You still need to stand up and say "Oops, ouch, my fault, won't happen again." Too many people are quick to blame others for their problems.

"McDonald's made me fat" but apparently it had nothing to do with you cramming Big Macs down your throat without even chewing. "I spilled coffee on my lap and burned myself. Tim Horton's should have told me it was hot." Really? You didn't know?

Working downtown it would shock and amaze you at how many teens, and young teens at that are wondering the streets at all hours. Even four in the morning. Where are the parents?

As to video games. Yes they are often graphic and violent. They are continually getting more graphic and more violent, why? I'll tell you, because people keep buying them. If the demand exists, someone will supply it. Where are the parents to say "no"?

I am the product of a single parent home and my mom had to work every day to pay bills and keep food on the table. I did get to spend time with Dad but it wasn't as often as either of us would have liked. With this single parent upbringing, I turned out OK (so far as I think!) Where's the difference?

I was taught right from wrong and when I was wrong I had to own up to it. As well I had friends whose parents treated me no different from their own children; they had no problems hugging me or scolding me depending on what I had been doing. The parents in my townhouse complex, same thing. I did something wrong and they would let me hear about it, THEN they'd tell mom so I'd get it again. Granted that was all 20 years ago now. Have times changed that much, and why?

I don't think it's the times, I think it's the parents. Prime example. My two brothers-in-law, Gary (19) and Ian (17). I've known them now for almost three years and each time they are in a crowd of kids their own age they stand out. Want to know why? They are both VERY tall. Also, they are both kind, considerate, helpful, polite and just good old fashioned nice guys. I have no doubt it's the parenting; with a small side order of genetics.

I say all this knowing that I currently have no children. However, based on my experience, parents who take an active part in kids lives turn out better kids. Making an effort to go to football games, sitting in the audience listening to high school bands, discussing the ups and downs of the day. I firmly believe it makes all the difference in the world. I'm sure it isn't easy, but what that is worthwhile is?

I don't think I have ever thanked my mom enough for doing all that she has done for me, and does for me still. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be as wonderful as I am (no comments please!).

So to tie this all together; is parenting the cause or solution to all of the worlds problems? No. However as a general rule, good parents make good kids, who become good parents etc etc etc. There are exceptions to that, but they are few and far between.

Be well all.

Reflections

2006-09-13T11:14:00.000-04:00

I've never really felt that January first was the new year; it's usually been September first. That's when school starts up, cadets start, television programs start their new seasons and so on. So I always look forward to September as starting something anew.

This year things have changed and it has caused me to reflect inward as I took note and stock about my life and its varied and very diverse components. Also, as I am wont to do, I thought I would share some of the thoughts that have come across my little mind. These are in no particular order.

First is cadets. I have been actively involved in cadets since I was 12 years old. Literally more than 18 years of my life I have been active with a unit. This year I have decided to take some time off. The reasons are numerous. One is that the area detachment (middle management) is frustrating me to no end and with no end in sight. Two is that I didn't have much fun with cadets last year which is not a common occurrence. I always have fun and I wasn't so maybe it's time to take some time away to reset and determine priorities. Another reason is church. There looks to be some very interesting programs maybe running this year and I would like to take more of an active role in participation and maybe even facilitation.

Second is my beautiful bride. This is the first September we are married. This month is the first month in our new home. Oddly enough we were both commenting last night how this house in two weeks actually feels like our home much more than Dundas ever did. While we are still gazing at each other, we are starting to look outward together. Before we were married it was a conscious thought to make sure I said "we" instead of "I", now there is no longer an "I", it is only an "us". It feels weird and great at the same time.

Not that I have lost any individuality, far from it. Only that we talk everything through, and look to the future together and plan for our life. By far the most exciting thing I have ever done. I have recommended marriage to anyone that asks how married life is but I don't know if I can really do that because there is only one Jaci, so only I get to know what life with her is like. I think I will still recommend it though.

Third is work. I have been contemplating attempting ALS training next September. While I have not completely made up my mind, right now I am leaning against it. I don't know if we will be ready financially, I don't know if I am ready professionally, and I'm not sure I really want to do it. I am thinking that maybe I want to focus more on doing more of the history at Mac.

I also think that I am going to get away from the night shifts. I am 95% convinced that I am going to go straight days for the next calendar year. I like my base and really enjoy my partner, but I am really disliking nights. Also with Jac in school and (hopefully) teaching after, she will be home each evening and I want to be there with her.

Last but by certainly no means least is the terrorist attacks of 9/11. It's time to move on. Mourn the lost, celebrate the heroes of the NYPD and FDNY, let go of the rest. Be vigilant but not paralyzed. Life does go on. The birds still fly, the babies still cry, life will go on.

Two quotes to share with you. The first from Anne Frank:
"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature."

The second from Henry James:
"Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact."

Be well all.

What's old is new again.

2006-09-08T08:36:00.000-04:00

So yesterday I was in class. Three times a year we at Hamilton EMS have to do our CME (Continuing Medical Education). Twice is done by the service, and once (yesterday) by the Base Hospital.

The Base Hospital is where we as paramedics get our certification. it is headed by a doctor (Dr. Michelle Welsford) and these are the folks that give us our drug protocols that allow us to give drugs in the field. So our Base Hospital CME in a nutshell tells us about upcoming new protocols, or changes to existing protocols, and does a Q&A session.

So yesterday was it and for the most part, it was pretty boring. They had three hours of material they stretched into an eight hour day. Do the math. While I have never had my brain anesthetized, I'm pretty sure I now know what it feels like.

The good news that came from yesterday was the changes coming up to our defibrillation protocols. Just in case you aren't aware, there are Cardiac Arrest protocols for the following:

a. Medical Arrest
b. Traumatic (Blunt) Arrest
c. Traumatic (Penetrating) Arrest
d. Hypothermic Arrest
e. Foreign Body Arrest

And while most of these are very similar, there are differences in each and every one. Each time we do a VSA (Vital Signs Absent), our actions are scrutinized by the Base Hospital to make sure we have done everything right.

So soon our arrest protocols will change and by and large they will simplify. Not just because it will be cheaper and easier with the changes (it will be, by the way) but because of evidence based research. Focus will change from following elaborate procedures to more of a "back to the basics" approach.

So with the changes we will be targeting with good, solid, old fashioned C.P.R. with a small defibrillation protocol just in case we can shock something. So what makes this somewhat exciting (as exciting as this stuff can get anyway)?

Like I said before...evidence based research. They're using more than an educated guess. Decisions are being based on solid, firm research.

So what does it mean in the long run? Less time on scene, less farting around. Better chance to actually do something effective. So what's the lesson for those of my readership who are not of the paramedical variety? Learn CPR.

Studies are now showing the fast and effective CPR is the absolute best chance a cardiac arrest patient has. I have personally seen two patients and heard of a third have there heart start beating again because of good quality CPR.

Also knowing that 70% of all CPR done by the general public is performed on a loved one, makes a compelling argument to spend a weekend learning or re-learning this stuff. And for the record, there is usually no difference between Red Cross and St. John Ambulance other than price.

So to sum up, changes are good. What's old has become new again; and for reasons I will never understand, I can't keep the damn dog out of the kitty litter.

Be well!

Bad night.

2006-08-25T21:36:00.000-04:00

So my last call tonight was not any fun at all.

I can't get into details but when it was over my supervisor knew my relief was at base and made me code 7 for my return trip to the base. What that basically means is that I am untouchable to Ambulance Dispatch. So I could see you get hit by a car and the only thing I have to do is report it as I drive by (I'd probably wave at you though). This doesn't happen very often and it was very kind of him to do.

So when I left work I was planning to go to Mark and Krista's because Jaci is babysitting; but I really didn't think being around kids was such a good plan. So anyway on my way home I knew I had some Weight Watcher points left (12 actually) and stopped off to get some comfort food. Specifically the spicy chicken tortilla foldover thing from Taco Bell ("Good to Go"). This thing is AMAZING! I'm not a huge taco bell fan but WOW did they ever do it right this time.

Coincidentally, this little goodie cost, wait for it, 12 points! But just to be sure Chewie and I were out for an 8Km 90 minute walk and we are both tired.

So the hope is the comfort food, good walk, and decent nights sleep will make me cheer up (and of course cuddles with Jaci when she gets home).

Nighty night.

Is Big Brother Watching?

2006-08-22T21:01:00.000-04:00

Of course he is. In today's world of advancement and technological convenience (ATM and Interac to name a couple), everything is "traceable". Our lives are so much more an open book than they were even ten years ago that it not only boggles the mind to think about, it can quiver your very foundation.

As examples. Most people have the internet. Unless your computer is physically removed from the connection you are vulnerable to a hacker; or the government. Digital phone service sends everything over (usually) fiber optic cable which means that your words are converted to a code and then unscrambled at the other end. It's easier to listen in there than on an old fashioned wire tap (so I'm led to believe).

Every time you power up the cell phone, use your bank/credit card, log onto the internet, start a newer top end car you can be tracked. So what's the big deal right? If you're not doing anything wrong you have nothing to hide right? Why all the hullabaloo?

Now I know some of you are thinking along the lines that "If the authorities want to listen in on my phone they need a court order." Law enforcement has to convince a judge that you are probably doing something illegal before they can turn the microscope on to you. Not so.

Case in point. Last week a Detroit judge ruled that the United States Government's federal wiretap program was unconstitutional (the White House received an immediate stay pending an appeal). The White House says it needs this program to fight terror. What's the program? President Bush initiated it after 9/11; I'll give you a highlight.

If the US Government believes that at least one party in the phone conversations might have links to al-Qaeda or another terrorist organization; they can and will tap your phone......without a warrant. This is a very dangerous idea and a very slippery slope to start on. This program scares me. I'll show you why.

The first amendment of the US Constitution says that "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech". Which means that in the United States you can say whatever you want, whenever you want, to whomever you want; no matter how dumb it is.

The fourth amendment says "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

Those amendments were made into law in 1791 and they are still supposed to be in effect. So where does the US President get off violating them? Particularly when his oath of office makes him swear to "serve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States". It is because of this constitution and the legal system's devotion to it that has made the U.S. a democratic stalwart.

So what does it say about the U.S. when it starts to ignore that which it has held most holy?

Luckily Canada isn't yet at that point. However, were I an American citizen I would be outraged.

The "War on Terror" must be fought but not at the expense of the basic rights of the citizenry. I don't mind waiting longer to get on an airplane. I don't mind being restricted on what I can bring to an airport. I don't mind required more documentation to enter the US (like a passport). I do mind the government that listens in on my life just because they THINK that I MIGHT have a LINK to SOME organization they don't like.

How many governments can you think of (past or present) that were able to function as a true democracy where their citizens were afraid to send an email or pick up the phone for fear of Big Brother. Me neither.

What truly, truly frightens me is that the US government will not only continue to get away with this, but that Big Steve up in Ottawa may get some of the same ideas in his head.

If you still aren't concerned about this, then all I can do is apologize because I must not have explained it well enough. This is grown-up table scary stuff.

If you have doubts, see for yourself in one day how many times you do something that might be traced were someone so inclined. It's an eye-opener.

Sleep well.

Smoke what?

2006-08-20T16:46:00.000-04:00

There are many in Hamilton who have heard of the "Up In Smoke Cafe" on King St in downtown Hamilton. This was a licensed business that also had a restaurant license. What's the nature of the business? Pot. Marijuana. Weed. Mary-Jane. Wacky-tabbacy. While they didn't sell pot, they sold all sorts of pot paraphernalia and allowed it's patrons to smoke pot whilst enjoying a coffee and a hash brownie.

Now you may be asking yourself: Isn't that illegal? YES IT IS! I know it, you know, the owners of the cafe know it , EVERYONE KNOWS IT. But the city of Hamilton allowed this business to open, allowed it to get a restaurant license that clearly states it is a "cannabis cafe" and allowed it to renew the license. Nevermind the legalities, the arrests made, and everything else. What are they thinking?!? I don't know...Do you?

The police have finally been able to arrest the owner who is currently sitting in the Barton St Jail and the cafe is currently closed. Hopefully for good.

Now I know that there are legitimate medical reasons for smoking a doob, and if you are one of the few who have that prescription, puff away. I also know that there are millions in favour if legalizing this substance (I'm not one of them) and one of they key arguments is that it doesn't do any real harm to the body. Not in the way that cigarettes or alcohol do and they're legal.

Bull. I'm no biochemist but even I know that ANY chemical that enters the body and creates and altered state of mind is not good for you.

Next time you see a rally legalizing pot, take an informal survey. How many regular users make more than 50k a year? Or have completed a post secondary education?

The hippies of yesterday have grown up and the pot they smoked is chemically much different from the pot that is smoked today. That's fact.

If that cafe is allowed to reopen then what's stopping someone from opening a liquor/beer store that caters only to minors? Oh that's right, that already exists, only they call it a cab company.

So much to do, so little PM.

2006-08-16T09:52:00.000-04:00

Understand that I am no Steven Harper fan. I was a very vocal anti-Harper enthusiast during the last federal elections (but not necessarily anti-Conservative mind you). Since his election he hasn't been doing too bad so I know that soon I may have to eat some crow regarding my predictions. That is not however the point of this missive.

Our Prime Minister has been getting slammed in the editorials for not being at the International AIDS conference currently being held in Toronto, and for Canada not living up to it's commitment (read previous governments commitment) for funding/medication. So what's up with that? Where was the PM?

He was not on vacation as Tony Blair was and remained on during the recent British security scare. Our boy Steve was up north. Very north. He visited CFS Alert (Canadian Forces Station) which is so far north that to see the Northern Lights you have to look south (not kidding either). He was also visiting other parts of the Canadian north to re-assert Canadian sovereignty over the land and waters.

This is relevant because with global warming and the gradual melt of the polar ice caps, the Northwest Passage is not going to stay as desolate as it has been. The international community has to know that it's Canadian territory up there and it will be patrolled and defended if need be by our Armed Forces. The PM's visit was also to "show the flag" to the Arctic peoples and remind them that they are not forgotten. All very useful stuff and if you are going to visit the Arctic, of course you are going to do it during the summer. Nobody "visits" during the winter.

But what about the international AIDS convention? Was our government represented? Yes it was, in the form of Mr. Tony Clement, who is the Conservative Member of Parliament for Perry Sound-Muskoka. Oh yeah, he is also the Minister of Health.

Call me crazy, but I think the PM has it right here. It is the Minister of Health's job to represent Canada at an international AIDS conference and the PM's job to assert Canadian sovereignty. There is nothing wrong with these priorities.

The PM can't be everywhere doing everything. That's why he has others, like ministers maybe, to be there for him. Particularly if it is that ministers baliwick.

So to wrap up. I'm giving big Steve a tentative B plus so far. As much as it pains me to say it, he's doing OK, certainly better than the previous.

Thanks for reading.

Coffee coffee everywhere.....

2006-08-11T14:24:00.000-04:00

So I am developing issues with Tim Horton's. It is not NEARLY as great as most Hamiltonians make it out to be. The thing is, they almost have a monopoly on the Hamilton business; don't mistake that for having the citizenry over a barrel. We do that ourselves.

It used to be that Tim Horton's made a good cup of coffee, at a good price, and they had some yummy doughnuts. The drive through was a rare novelty. Owners had some independence in their decision making (ie size of doughnuts) and the way their product was made and presented. Some bakers would make their doughnuts much larger than others and therefore earn the gratitude and the cult like following from fatties like myself.

Over the past few years, Tim Horton's has had their prices go up, and their quality go down. They are sacrificing what made them great for the sake of diversity. Now instead of a dozen different menu options, their are dozens. Soups, sandwiches (which keep getting smaller), chili, coffee's, teas, cappachino's, and the list goes on ad nauseum. Their doughnuts are now made on an assembly line, flash frozen and then shipped to the receiving stores (and I don't care what they tell you, there IS a taste difference). They are smaller now too, although head office only repeats the "standard size" mantra.

Working downtown, I know there are still places to get a really good cup of coffee; Tim Horton's is not one of them. Granted, many can't distinguish taste because they load the coffee up with cream and sugar whereas I drink mine black. I assure you, a difference exists and my tastebuds scream the difference to me. Now from Tim Horton's, I drink only tea and sometimes hot chocolate; and not often at that.

So how did this particular rant come about? Thanks for asking and I'm glad you did. I was on my way to work last night (overtime - WOOHOO!) and I stopped to get gas at the ESSO beside the firestation across the street from McMaster. It used to have a McDonald's in there but they have changed it to a Tim Hortons, where they recently added a drive through.

I was the ONLY customer at the counter (which isn't very big) and there were two girls behind the counter; and one drive through window. I waited 3 MINUTES for my presence to be officially acknowledged. In that time they served two drive through customers, almost a third. Know how I know I waited three minutes? There's a counter by the drive through window because (I assume) head office HATES making drive through customers wait.

I even asked the girls behind the counter why I waited three minutes while the two of them served the one window before I got a "hello". I even specifically asked "What's the rationale behind making the counter customer wait while you both race to serve the drive through?" Know what one of them said? I'll tell you and I am NOT making this up.

"I'm sorry, I don't understand the question. Do you want to come back when the manager is here?" No thanks, but luckily this is the last gift certificate I have.

The point I am trying to get at (albeit very roundabout like) is this. We as citizens have granted Tim Horton's a monopoly and we have not held them to the standards we came to expect in their meteoric rise to power. Instead of making a cup of coffee at home and bringing it with us, we HAVE to have our Timmy's in the morning and during the day; even when we KNOW it isn't a great cup of joe and usually isn't even a good one. I for one don't bother with them anymore.

I leave coffee at work and I make a pot at the beginning of each shift. I'm even going to let you in on a coffee secret that was shared to me by a worker of the former Bay Side Cafe (best coffee anywhere - closed because there are too many Tim Horton's around). She told me that if your coffee pot is clean, and your water is good, it doesn't make much difference what beans you put in, you will have a good cup of coffee. Too good to be true? It isn't.

I don't know why all these changes happened. Likely to increase the profit margin, once the masses were hooked. Like a pusher, they give the good stuff for cheap and once you're hooked, you keep buying whatever they sell.

Not me.

Not anymore.

So that concludes my rant about what is grinding my gears today. Thanks for reading and if you fins a place that makes a good cup o'joe, lemme know! I'm all ears. Just don't try and tell me it's a Tim Horton's.

Tip of the Day

2006-08-09T13:14:00.000-04:00

So Monday night I get a call at work to take an old lady to the hospital. She wasn't grievously ill, but she did need medical intervention. So off we go. We sat with this lady in the ER at an undisclosed location for....four....and....a....half....hours. During this time some of her family came to visit, being two of her daughters and a granddaughter. Her husband was also there (he was a fighter pilot during WWII).

During our stay the family decides they are going to make a trek to the closest Tim Horton's for a coffee run, and they kindly ask Darren and I if they can get us anything; to which we gratefully decline. One of the clerks at this ER thinks we're nuts because we didn't take them up on their offer.

I tried to explain to her that it's against policy to accept a tip while she tries to explain that it's not a tip, it's a free coffee. So here's what's running through my mind. This is a family of professionals who all appear to make a decent living, the three bucks it'll cost to buy Darren and I a coffee doesn't even qualify as a drop in their bucket. But what if that same family was on a very strict budgeted fixed income. Where they make only have two or three dollars a week to spend as "mad money", than coffee becomes a whole new issue.

I also asked the clerk, what if they were known millionaires and they offered her a crisp new 100$ bill for doing her job, would she take it? She says "of course not - that's different". Is it though?

The dictionary defines a gratuity as "something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service;". EMS is not a customer service business; my wages are paid by tax payers who have a right to expect prompt, professional, and knowledgeable service. It's my job to get to the patient as fast as can be done safely, provide rapid transport to an emergency department, and to provide care while enroute.

Now if you look at a waiter/waitress job, their job is to take your order and bring your food. They can certainly take pains to go "above and beyond" and I'm sure we've all had examples of restaurants at both ends of the spectrum. The point is that they can earn a tip with their job performance and theirs is an industry where tipping is not just encouraged, it's almost required. On a side note, I have HUGE issues with places that add a 15% gratuity to your bill in advance, but that's another blog.

If mine was an industry where we were allowed to receive tips what you would find is when going to calls where we think people can afford a tip, they get better service. And that gentle reader is a very dangerous and slippery slope in my line of work. At my job every patient is to be treated the same, regardless of circumstance.

I tried vehemently (as only I can) to explain that the kindness is not in the tip, but in the offer. She didn't get it. But that's ok; I understand it.

Cheers!

Drop that fork!

2006-07-28T09:28:00.000-04:00

So I was reading in todays spec, an article focusing on obesity and the medical world. To summarize, very obese patients do not fit into some of the older scanners such as CT machines and MRI because they are too fat (note - as a pizza carrying member of the calorically challenged, I can safely use the word "fat" without repercussion). Even basic x-ray machines. These "old" scanners were only designed to accommodate patients weighing less than 400 lbs (180ish kilos for us metric folks).

Even something like an ultrasound can be blocked or appear "fuzzy" because of the many layers of fat blocking the waves. If patients can't be properly scanned they can't be properly diagnosed. This leads to an improper or even a missed diagnosis of many things such as liver disease and cancerous tumors. Even just getting Shamu onto the scanner bed is a ton of work (no pun intended). How many of you can say you know what it's like lifting an unconscious fat person?

We at Hamilton EMS have a tarp (called a Manta because it's as big as a Manta Ray) which is designed for people up to 800 lbs (360ish kilos). It's designed for 6-8 people to use, we affectionately call it the "fat mat".

The article further states that obesity in North America was 13% in 1978, and in 2004 that number was 23%. That's huge (again - no pun intended). So where do they send the fatties? Veterinary clinics to use machines designed for farm animals. That's right, people get sent out to be x-rayed on a machine that is used to the weight and size of cows and horses. I would hate to find out how that would make me feel.

So here's where I'm going with this...Put down the fork. There are some people that have genuine hormonal and or glandular problems that make you obese. They are however a small minority. Most suffer from what I call "fork in mouth disease". I am one of those people.

At what point do you say "no thanks" to that second helping and decide to go for a small walk after dinner? Or opt for a small bowl of Jell-O instead of ice cream and cake for dessert? Where is the breaking point? I know it's an individual thing that takes will power and support from those who love you to even have a chance to work.

My breaking point came about two weeks ago. I stepped on the scale and it groaned out a reading of 301lbs (never mind the kilos). Down went my fork. I have struggled with my weight since I was kid and I got all the names "Fat-so, tub-o-lard, Orca" etc. Enough is enough.

I love my food and especially Jaci's cooking but something has to give and it won't be my arteries. So to date I have lost a little more than 10lbs. I am not looking for a pat on the back here, Jaci is proud of me and that's all I really need. I have just come to the conclusion that I am too much a fat bastard and it's high time I fix that fat.

I'll keep you posted periodically as I lose decent numbers.

'Nuff said.

John Denver Rocks!

2006-07-18T13:01:00.000-04:00

For pretty much all of my life I have been made fun of for my tastes (or lack thereof) in music. Particularly for my adoration of the music of John Denver. People that have made fun of me include but are not limited to my mom, both sisters, (not dad, he likes him too), and of course my lovely wife.

Jaci being at work today afforded me the opportunity to re-watch John Denver's Wildlife Concert. Being home alone gives me the chance to sing at the top of my lungs to the music that I love. Don't be fooled though, the presence of others is by no means a deterrent to my vocal expressions of JD joy.

My mother, with only the slightest of prompting, delights in regaling with stories of how I would sing JD's music when I was younger. I would put the album on the record player (remember those?), crank the volume and try to sing louder than the speakers. Mom first thought to just put ear phones on me but she soon learned to her dismay that earphones don't stop my singing to John Denver. Ever. When I hear his music, I must sing. It's almost a Pavlovian response.

Most people that are my age and younger have never really listened JD's music. They may have heard it but I doubt they listened it; at least not the way that I do.

I would never say that John Denver is a country singer. Not in a million years even though he has done some country songs. John Denver is a western singer. How many actually believe there's a difference? I know I do.

If you really listen to JD's songs, they are filled with images and experiences that many have had and are available to most people regardless of sociology or geography. For example, you may not have been to West Virginia but chances are you know what it's like to drive down Country Roads.

Another of his tunes, called "Annie's Song" starts with "You fill up my senses, like a night in the forest. Like a mountain in springtime, like a walk in the rain. Like a storm in the desert, like a sleepy blue ocean. You fill up my senses, come fill me again." The images in that passage alone are breathtaking.

It's clear that his inspiration comes from first the outdoors and the beauty that can be found in nature, and second from a deep seeded love that he has for the woman in his life. Can anything get more simplistic or beautiful than that? I doubt it.

I find that music today doesn't often seem real. A song sung by one person, was written by someone else, music by a third person and produced by a fourth. Whose song is it? John Denver wrote most of his material (music and lyrics) and to my mind his music has a timeless quality that artists today just don't have.

In his career which spanned more than three decades, he earned fourteen platinum and eight gold albums. In 1985, and by invitation he toured the U.S.S.R. and in 1992 also by invitation he toured mainland China. How many of today's popular artist can say the same?

One day I will have children and I hope that I can pass along to them the joy that I experience with JD's music. I'm quite confident that many years from today, I will be annoying the nurses in my nursing home with a rendition of "Sunshine On My Shoulders" and woe to any who try to get me to stop!

Cheers!

New...and improved?

2006-07-12T16:27:00.000-04:00

So today in the "Throne Room Links" section of my blog, I have added three additional links that I enjoy and/or check on a regular basis. I would encourage everyone to check them out!

The first is a link to the History Channel's website. This link takes you to a "today in history" page where there are all kinds of facoids for the history lover in everyone! I know I enjoy this page immensely and thought to pass it along to you folks!

Second is a link to a beverage page. It lists all kinds of drink recipes, most alcoholic but many are not. If you are like me and enjoy drinking in all it's forms, you will definately love this page. Surf and enjoy and if you find a really good recipe, let me know!

Last but not least is a link to Neopaws. This site (based in Toronto) sells many products that can be useful to your dog, some of which Jaci and I bought for our four legged beastie. There are of course, many products that I think most dogs not only can do without but would actually prefer to. If you have a dog, please wander through the site and enjoy!

That's all for now.

Go for the Gusto!

2006-07-03T21:56:00.000-04:00

This afternoon Jaci and I went to St. Jacobs (yes, everything was closed, shut up) and out for dinner with Natasha, and Mark and Krista. Mark and Krista are a couple we met at church and we are starting to get to know.

today's plans came about from Thursday. We went over to Mark and Krista's house for dinner with them, Natasha, and Mark and Krista's two kids, Madison and Eden. These two little girls are two of the cutest kids you will ever see. They are so cute that you almost want to throw out the contraceptives; almost.

So during the dessert phase of the evening, I look over and Eden (the youngest) has one of those applesauce cups that you buy from the grocery store as her dessert. She has taken some of the good stuff and smeared it down her chest (her shirt came off earlier when she spilled on it) almost like Indian war paint from the old John Wayne movies.

Not only did she paint herself, she was digging with her small fingers into the applesauce cup to get every last tasty bit, and jamming them into her mouth. That's when it started to hit me. That was such a simplistic gesture that to me was huge. It reminded me of simpler times when we didn't give a rat's behind what anyone else thought of us as we gleefully ran through the sprinkler of life.

When did it become socially unacceptable to lick the pudding cup? I'm not just talking about the tops, everyone does that. I'm talking about getting your tongue down into the cup to grab every last bit. One would think that as an adult, with a bigger tongue, it would be easier. But we don't do it, at least not in public.

Are we afraid people will think we have no manners? No social grace? Dare I say it; no couth? Or are we just afraid to look like a pig digging for truffles? I don't know, and that saddens me.

I love the fact that not only did Eden dive into that cup with reckless abandon, but parents Mark and Krista let her have at it! That's the best part. Mom and dad let her be her, let her enjoy the meal because really, it all comes out in the wash. It's nothing a paper towel and some soap won't fix, and she looked clean as a whistle by bed time.

I hope that when I have kids of my own that not only will I allow them to dive in with gusto, but that I will teach them how! Pudding cups of the world beware! Your days are numbered!

So I doff my hat to all parents that let their kids enjoy life and all that it has to offer without straddling them with a burden of "What will the neighbors think?"

Bootleggin'

2006-07-03T13:40:00.000-04:00

Last week a fourteen year old Hamilton boy was rushed to hospital via ambulance because of alcohol poisoning. Understand that any alcohol is poisonous to the body. This is widely recognized because ingestion of this substance leads white men to think they can dance, and makes you think you are funnier and more attractive than you really are.

Drinking too much alcohol too fast can be in fact lethal, and the young lad taken to hospital is very lucky to be alive. How did this boy get the booze? Not in the traditional manner of teenagers of past ages (pinching it from mom and dad), no no no. He called Hamilton Cab and asked for it. He and his buddies gave their order, gave an address they didn't live at and told the dispatcher they would wait at the curb for the cab. When the cabbie arrived, he handed over the booze without checking for ID and drove off. Another cab driver from Blue Line was done in this weekend for the same thing on a police sting operation.

Here's how it works. The customer calls the cab company and makes the order (case of Bud for instance), the cabbie goes to the beer store, buys the beer and delivers it to you. The cost is usually at least twice as much as if you had gone yourself. Here's the thing though, it's illegal. There are companies that are licensed to deliver booze, but no cab company in Hamilton as a license. There are rules to legal companies. For instance they can't deliver after the beer and liquor stores have closed, they can't give to minors or to the intoxicated.

I have in the past used the bootleg service ( I know, I know) but I used it when I was over 19. The one time I used it the cabbie did check for ID and I never used it again (WAAY to expensive). The problem a cabbie will tell you is that if they don't sell the booze, they are out of pocket and they don't profit. A good bootleg night will make more in a night than a cabbie can make in a week, and it's under the table.

So what's the solution? Even if dispatchers stop the practice every cabbie has a cell phone. Most even encourage customers to call them on their cell phones to avoid the dispatcher and therefore make it an under the table transaction. So I don't know what the ultimate solution is.

Most times the police are too busy with assaults, drugs, and other such crimes to be too concerned. Something should be done but I'll be damned if I can figure out what. As long as there are teens with money, there will be cabs with booze.

Incidentally, I linked the cab companies web sites above so that if you want to voice your displeasure at their practice, you can find contact info there.

Bye for now.

"I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it...."

2006-06-22T04:39:00.000-04:00

When I was a boy, I LOVED to get new toys. Be they GI Joe, Transformers, a new plastic gun, whatever. I loved them all, and getting them was one of the greatest feelings ever. The only thing I liked more than getting a new toy, was showing my friends my new toy.

I never did it to say "Ha ha I got this and you didn't!" It was more that I was excited to get something and I wanted my friends to share in my excitement and to be excited both for, and with me. Fortunately, or unfortunately this feeling never really goes away.

This explains to me why men still like toys. At least this explains why I still like to get toys. For instance I got a new watch Tuesday (I ordered it); I got it because my current one is eroding and (while I am no engineer) I believe that's bad. So the watch came and I love it, I need to take it and get it adjusted to fit better, but it's great.

I also had to go shopping yesterday for some new stuff. While I am still excited about the new things, there's no reason to show others because while they are new (out of the box), they are really more of a replacement. What did I get? Let me share some of my excitement and tell you.

I first had to get a new bedframe. I was sitting on the edge of my bed, heard a creak, then noticed I was sitting considerably lower than I was mere moments before. If ever a sign appeared that I am too fat, there it is. While I am certainly happy with the new frame (not the price, mind) I can't really show it to people ("Yes it's new, so get on your hands and knees, and have a look! I'll hold the flashlight").

I also bought a memory foam mattress from Costco. My dad generously gave Jaci and I one many months ago and it's GREAT! Very comfortable, my back pain lessened considerably. I highly recommend them. Now I know what you're thinking, if my dad gave me one, why did I buy a new one? Did I get a new and bigger bed? No. Am I putting it on the spare bed? No.

So why spend the money? I'll tell you: t h e d o g. That's right, Jaci's dog ate my mattress. This is not the first time, it's actually the third. The first time I just flipped it over, annoyed, but no big deal. The second time I was able to maneuver it so the dents were on Jaci's side of the bed (it IS her dog after all), but the third time the hole was big enough for a Chewie sized head. It must be replaced. Off to Costco we went.

We are hoping to use the good parts of the chewed up one for pillows of some sort because it is very comfortable. So I unwrapped it and dutifully spread it out on the bed to expand while I am at work but while I am still excited about my new toy, I can't really get others involved. There are several reasons. One is that it's a replacement, two is that it is only a mattress, and three involves how the conversation looks ("come to my bedroom and see my new mattress"). Yeah. Right.

So after all of that I am excited to go home and sleep on my new mattress, even though it will feel similar to the old one. At the end of the day however, I'm still excited.

I have a new toy!

You've come a long way baby!

2006-06-16T09:44:00.000-04:00

I don't know if some or all of you are familiar, but a short time ago Chile, in a free election, elected as its president the person of Michelle Bachelet. This is significant for two main reasons, first being that it hasn't been all that long that Chile has been able to hold a free election and two, President Bachelet is a woman.

This, along with another news article set me to thinking about women in politics, specifically women in serious power positions. There have been a number of countries that have put women into the big office, including Pakistan, India, Israel, Germany, Great Britain, and even our little corner of the world here in Canada. Granted the reign of Kim Campbell was very brief (9 days or so), she does have the distinction of being Canada's first woman Prime Minister.

In the United States however, no woman has come close. Women in U.S. politics are definitely in the minority with only eight governors (out of fifty), and fourteen senators (from one hundred). There is a slightly larger percentage in congress, but can you name the last U.S. President to come straight from the congress? Me neither. The road to the White House it seems is down the gubernatorial or senatorial roads. With men the definite front runners.

Recent polls in the U.S. are showing some interesting numbers however, they say that ninety percent (of those surveyed) would vote for a woman in a presidential race if she were the right candidate. The same poll also says that only fifty-five percent believe that the country as whole is ready for a woman president.

So how did other women get to the top? Maybe it has to do with the parliamentary system. Where the woman in question is elected by a much smaller number of people, and not the nation. There is also the political dynasties to take into account, like the Bhuttos in Pakistan or the Ghandi/Nehrus in India. Maybe there just hasn't been a full generation in the U.S. where young girls believe that they can grow up to be president.

Can a woman do the job of U.S. President? Absolutely. I am firmly convinced that women can do just about anything a man can do and in many cases do it better. There are some things men are generally better at but those are related to genetics, and there's ought to be done there.

There has over the years been arguments (not all serious) that a lady commander-in-chief might choose to coddle an aggressor instead of launching an exocet missile into his window. My answer to that is to point to Golda Meir, who led Israel during the war in 1973; and anyone who says Margaret Thatcher "coddled" Argentina wouldn't do it to her face let me tell you! So I don't think that's really an issue.

I honestly don't think that there has been a woman in the U.S. who honestly believed she could win the white house and therefore didn't position herself early enough. Until now. For those who watch U.S. politics, you know of whom I speak. Democratic U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

This lady is a dynamo. She is a political power house and definitely has the brains to pull off the job in the oval office. There are many who said she was the behind the scenes co-president during Bill's eight years in office; so she has the right experience. And really, who can the democrats field in 2008? John Cain looks like he's poising to run again but he lost huge in the last democratic primaries; and who really wants a loser.

I think the 2008 elections are going to be very interesting because I don't see Dick Cheney running for the top job. Mainly because he isn't going to win. So both Republicans and Democrats will have to look for new, fresh candidates. Will Hillary be one of those candidates? I hope so. Even if you don't like all of her voting decisions, she doesn't try to hide from her voting record. She will say straight up "I voted for this because of that and would do it again tomorrow!" No coddling there!

So for you politicos and U.S. watchers, pay close attention in the coming 12-18 months. It's gonna be a good show. For my money, Hillary's great is '08!

Stay tuned.

How bright am I?

2006-06-14T13:20:00.000-04:00

Normally I don't post about stuff that happens to me during the routine course of existence, but I thought that this should be an exception.

As most of my loyal reader base knows, the love of my life went in for surgery on the 31st of May. In order to properly care for her afterwards, I planned to take a week off work and during that time her sister Talie came down from Kingston for a week to help as well. Turns out that I took almost an entire second week off because my love wasn't healing as well as I would like so I didn't feel comfortable leaving her, even with Talie there.

So my first shift back to work was a night shift on Monday the 12th. I went in to work for an 1830h start time and as is par for the course, we were sent on a call around 1835h. I pull the ambulance up to the front door of an apartment (and here comes the good part), as I get out of the cab, I step on something, my ankle goes in a very unnatural direction and I'm now off work until Friday with a sprained ankle.

So to sum up, after being off for almost two weeks, my first call of my first shift I sprain my ankle without even SEEING a patient! Really, how bright am I?

My ankle is healing nicely now and the only thing left is for the big bruise on my ego to go away. Luckily my ego is big enough that I don't really notice the odd bruise! HA!

I hope all is well with you folks.

Cheers!

Da Vinci Debate

2006-06-04T10:14:00.000-04:00

Since Dan Brown put his book The Da Vinci Code on the market more than two years ago, it has been a runaway best seller. It has generated discussion, debate, and in many cases anger (as do many things that challenge religious ideas). Now the movie is out and the uproar has continued. The Catholic Church (which features prominently) has asked its member to NOT see the movie or to read the book. To me that smacks a little too close to censorship. However, I think it's time I sound off on the subject because I have read the book, I have seen the movie, and I think I know a thing or two of some of the topics therein.

To start off we have to accept that Leonardo Da Vinci was a genius. Absolute, without a doubt, gob-smacking genius. He was a master painter, an accomplished sculptor, wonderful musician, a chef, and a mathematician. Just to name some of his hobbies. The man was a guidance counselor's dream. So the genius part we have to accept as fact.

Next is the painting of The Last Supper. When you look at Brown's theories for thinking that John (the Apostle?); seated to the right of Jesus was Mary Magdalene, I don't buy it. For one, Da Vinci usually painted John as young, and Da Vinci's young men were always slightly androgynous. Maybe this was because of the widely held belief that Da Vinci was very much homosexual. I don't know. That's just a theory.

One then has to wonder, why would Da Vinci paint The Last Supper AGAINST what the church wanted or believed? The Catholic Church of the 16th century was not the kind, loving, and forgiving organization that it is today.

But what about Opus Dei? What about it? It does exist as an ultra conservative sect of the Catholic Church (I know, I know, who woulda thunk it). Does it go around killing for its beliefs? I think not. I believe they are to the Catholic Church what the Amish are to Protestants. A group of people who want to live life by a simpler, stricter code. It's not like the Amish do drive by shootings (clop clop, clop clop, BANG, clop clop, clop clop) to protect their way of life. One accepts it, or doesn't participate.

The Priory of Scion. Did it exist? Most believe that it did but it died out years ago. Even at the beginning of the book Dan Brown says evidence was found that it existed. There was nothing that said what it existed for. Maybe it was a bible study for gap-toothed geeks. Maybe it was code for a group of Dungeons and Dragons players. Who knows? Not Dan Brown and he really didn't need to know. He made a story that fit into his book; which is what any good author would do.

So what about Jesus and Mary Magdalene? Did they marry? Did they have a child? Devout Christians will say no, because it doesn't say that they did in the bible. Point of note, it doesn't say they didn't either (bearing in mind I am no biblical scholar, I asked for informed opinion). There is also about 18 years of His life (from 12-30) that isn't in the bible. So is it possible he married and fathered a child, or a horde of children? I think yes it is. Do I believe he did? I don't know; but I didn't know before I read the book either. I don't make my mind up by heeding religious zealots or by fiction authors. In this instance, my mind isn't made up.

So what does all this mean when you tie it all together? I'm going to give you my interpretation. Ready? Here it comes; it's a book. It is a fanciful story that is very well told using famous images and playing on the largely western need to find conspiracy everywhere. Is it real? No! It's crap. Dan Brown said so in dozens of interviews during the books initial publication but he then started to say very little when the media hype continued to crescendo. That's good PR because there is no such thing as bad press.

I think the media hype would have died much sooner if instead of condemnation, religious leaders took more of a neutral position. Saying something like; "Yes I read the book. I don't believe a word of it but its well written." and leave it at that. I think that trying to tell people what they should and shouldn't read is what can get religions into real trouble. See founding of the Prodestant faith.

There are some who would refuse to read the book because they think it's blasphemous. In my own opinion, how can you try to refute something you have never read? Just because you don't believe it doesn't mean you shouldn't be aware of it. Particularly if you might get asked questions because of it.

So at the end of the day, I read the book, I saw the movie, and I enjoyed both. I don't believe it, but it's still a good story

Dearie me...

2006-05-26T21:21:00.000-04:00

So the other day while I working I heard one of my colleagues who is younger than me refer to her elderly patient as "dear"; as in "It's OK dear, we're just going to move you onto this other bed now." I have HUGE HUGE HUGE issues with this, and I'm going to tell you why. Actually I'm going to stand on my soap box and rant a little.

During the first six weeks of my nursing training our instructor (her name was Mary Guise, wonderful teacher and a better human being) cautioned us new students about terms of endearment. She told us that she didn't like students referring to their patients using terms like "dear, honey, sweat-heart" and the like. I didn't fully grasp this but was certainly willing to do as I was told.

Than one day a few years later (still long before my days of paramedicine) we had to call an ambulance for my late Gramma (God rest her soul). We found her sitting on the toilet and we thought she had had a stroke. One of the paramedics that responded (she was actually a student at the time and I still know who she is) was an early 20's young lady and she called Gramma "dear". Then it clicked.

It was the most demeaning, patronizing thing I have ever heard. Who did she think she was? This 20-something girl called my Gramma "dear", bearing in mind my gramma at that point had lived almost four times as long as this patronizing medic. I know full well the medic's intention was good, maybe she thought by using a term of endearment she was bonding with the patient and putting her mind at ease. That's pure claptrap. It was insulting.

From a personal standpoint, I always refer to patients as sir or ma'am. Or Mr or Mrs so and so. Or by first name IF I ask them and IF they say it's OK to do so (they always do). That's just basic common courtesy. Ok, if I'm being completely honest, once I referred to a patient as an "ass-clown", but he was too drunk to remember. This is also how I instruct my students.

With that being said, I will say that if the patient is considerably younger than you, the medic, than you can get away with calling them "honey" or something along those lines. But only then.

It just makes me really, really mad. Before I didn't have a blog to vent my frustration. Now I do.
So parents, teach your kids that in a polite society, it's impolite to address someone you don't know by their first name unless invited to do so.

It's worse to call them "dear".

What's 10 minutes between friends?

2006-05-18T12:37:00.000-04:00

I received a phone call from my partner Darren about something that happened with EMS yesterday and I couldn't believe my ears. It was even in the paper today.

Anyone know what I am talking about? Let me tell. There was a critical shortage of ambulances yesterday because of off load delays. Just so we are all working off the same page, I'll explain. When we take a patient to a hospital ER they remain our responsibility until the Triage Nurse (usually also the Charge Nurse) takes a report, finds a spot for the patient and GETS THEM OFF OUR BED. Doesn't matter why we brought the patient in, we are not available for anything else until this process completes. Even with the patient that has stubbed her toe last week and doesn't think the bruising is going away fast enough (don't laugh, it happens), we must remain with them until the hospital accepts responsibility.

Yesterday for a time in the afternoon it was SO desperate that all fire stations were put on alert, all volunteer stations were manned, and the fire department expanded the types of calls it responds to. Yesterday it was so bad that for a period of 10 minutes, there was NO AMBULANCE in the city available to respond. For anything. Keep in mind if you will that during the early afternoon is when there is a peak number of trucks available. There was 18 transporting ambulances, and 5 single medic response units at that time yesterday. None were available. None. After that 10 minutes, four became free and immediately two of them were sent on calls.

Lets put that into perspective. You are coming back to town from a day trip from say, the Niagara Region. You are in Binbrook on Hwy 56 and you get into an accident, you are in pain but breathing. Time line looks something like this:

1259: Someone calls 911 to report the accident.
1300: Volunteer fire station in Binbrook gets the call, Police are mobile, Ambulance notified but not yet mobile.
1305: Volunteers firefighters arrive at station and respond to call, police on scene, ambulance notified but not yet mobile.
1308: Volunteers firefighters on scene, police doing their bit, ambulance notified but not yet mobile.
1310: Ambulance now mobile from McMaster hospital, on route with lights and sirens blazing.
1335 (ish): Ambulance on scene.

Is that fair to you, the tax payer? The Director of EMS, Mr. Brent Browett was quick to point out that no critical calls happened during that 10 minutes that no ambulance was available. That's only by the grace of God.

Another scenario. What if you take your kids to Tim Hortons for a snack and you are 15 seconds down the street from the Henderson Hospital, and your son starts to choke on a timbit. Any idea what 10 minutes without oxygen does to the heart and brain? Sure, the fire department would have arrived to start CPR on your son and to try and give him oxygen, but they too would have to wait until we arrived. They can't transport patients.

All of the education, training, skills, and experience paramedics have don't mean one damn thing if we can't get there in time. As a community we should be outraged. Livid. Foaming at the mouth, ready to chew nails mad. We should stand up and demand that our representatives (MPP's if you want to know) take serious action.

What should that action be? Do we need more ambulances? Yes we do. First, however we need the hospitals to open the beds they closed to "meet their budgets". With more beds upstairs, patients in the ER that have been admitted can go upstairs, freeing ER beds, which gets us more room to off load and get back on the street.

I've spoken with my MPP, and written my city councilor (he hasn't answered me yet) and I plan to get back in touch with my MPP. This is important, though nobody died yesterday and that's a blessing; what about tomorrow?

Maybe when you're watching someone you love in pain and you're wondering "Where's the damn ambulance?" will it sink in. I hope you never have to experience that. I hope this message goes loud and clear that this is not acceptable. I hope action gets taken. I know that's naive. Realistically, most that hear of this will say "That's too bad, they should do something about that" and move on to the next blog, or the next article.

That's the saddest truth of all
.

Pleased to make your acquaintance.

2006-05-11T12:35:00.000-04:00

Jaci and were talking the other day (actually we talk several times each day but that's not overly relevant at this point) about friends and who we thought was a good friend and what indeed makes a good friend. This sent my little mind into a whirlwind tizzy and I concluded that I have very few friends, and a lot of acquaintances; and I'm OK with that.

I think some may be surprised by that statement because I'm (almost) always and open, honest, friendly guy. One might think I'd have dozens of friends. I don't think however that every one shares my definition of "friend". Allow me to explain.

To me a friend is someone you can always call upon, no matter the reason, no matter the time. A friend is someone always in your heart, even if they aren't always in the forefront of your mind. A friend will stand beside you throughout anything, "thick or thin" as it were. A friend will pass judgement on you (ie "Man, was THAT ever a stupid thing to do!"), and will be there years later to regale your children with the story (unless the friend was there too!)

Everyone else I think of is an acquaintance; and that's not a bad place to be. There are few honours greater than to be called "friend". Most of the people at work that I see almost every day and laugh with, share meals sometimes, share traumatic experiences with I don't call "work friends", they are acquaintances.

When I think of who in my life I can truly call friend, I think of my beloved Jaci first above all because she is my best friend in addition to being my beautiful bride. I think of John C. Whom I have known since the third grade. Even though these days we see each other only a few times a year; each time we are together it's like we never separated.

I think of my work partner Darren. Darren and I spend 40+ hours a week in the same room together, often more than we spend with our wives. Even though I have known him for a short while we very early on went past the"work partner" line and became friends.

There are others of course but when I start to count them on my fingers, I get to about 8 or so (barring family); and I'm OK with that. There are some acquaintances now that may become friends later, but I don't need to think of myself with hordes of friends to feel complete. The few friends I have, I cherish.

Does that make me a bad or cold person? I don't think so. Maybe I just have a different perspective; and thought I would share it with you.

My New Hero!

2006-05-08T14:20:00.000-04:00

So we have a dog. Her name is Chewie ('cause she looks like a Wookie). Chewie is a very good natured dog and I have never really had a dog although I am a dog lover (love cats more, but that's another story). So when we got Chewie I wanted to make sure I tried to do things right. So I took her to obedience training and while it helps, it didn't take too long to realize that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to make a dog sit, stay or heel.

What I wanted to know was why do dogs do what they do? What does it mean when they do ? I really had no idea and the dog classes weren't much help there. So I went looking. I started by reading two books about German Shepherds that weren't all that useful.

Part of the reason that I really wanted to know what was going on inside her head was that we were having one main problem with Chewie. Whenever she would see another dog she would go haywire nuts. She would never growl, snarl, or do anything viscous, but she would P-U-L-L on the lead and bark her fool head off. Almost like when she gets there, blood will flow (which has been my biggest fear).

With that being said, with the dogs she has met face to face (or nose to anus) after a few minutes of barking there would be no problem. I can cite examples from my friends dog Roscoe (Roscoe rocks!), my sister's dog Marley (high strung, but nice), and by accident the neighbors twin schnauzers. Lots of noise, nothing really happening.

Then over Easter, Jaci's dad mentioned a TV show that Jaci's Papa watches called the Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. So I started to watch the show. I was in awe, I was amazed, this guy is fantastic! He has place in California where he rehabilitates dogs. He has no formal training, he just knows dogs from watching and learning from them. He is the pack leader for a pack of 30-40 dogs. Many of which are powerful breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and many others. All co-exist peacefully and naturally. He calls his place the Dog psychology Centre.

He has also written a book. Which I bought and read this past weekend while I was in Kingston. The book is called Cesar's Way. In it he describes exactly what I have been looking for, dog psychology. He also describes how he deals with dogs and why he does it that way and why it's effective. He also goes into great detail about how most human owners who mean well are really doing injustice to the dog. His book helped me to understand how I can help Chewie to have a more balanced and fufilled life while at the same time fufilling Jaci and my need for a family dog. Here's the 64 million dollar question: Does it work?

Well, I read the book over the weekend. I caught an episode of the show last night and many of the things he was doing in the show I recognized from the book. And the book made LOTS more sense. So what was I doing wrong? I wasn't being the pack leader 100% of the time and when the dog senses an absence of leadership, they will try to exert dominance. I was also not exercising her enough. Running in the back yard is not enough. Dogs MUST be WALKED. Book says MINIMUM 1/2 hour, twice a day. Even if you make them run for hours playing fetch or Frisbee or whatever, it's not enough. They must still be walked.

So why am I blogging about this? I will tell you my gentle readers. I took Chewie for a real walk this afternoon. I don't know exactly how long of a walk but we were bootin' it for about 90 minutes (seemingly uphill both ways, I don't get it). The way I walk, that makes about 6-8 Km. Toward the end of the walk I saw a man walking his dog (really it looked like a slipper) and using my newly learned techniques, Chewie didn't bark ONCE! She didn't jump ONCE! Nothing! I was stunned then amazingly happy! It works, it really works.

I am now an avid Cesar Millan fan, he is my new hero. Chewie and I still have work to do and a way to go, but it's easily doable now. So I thought I would share my doggie news with my faithful readership!

If there is anyone out there who wants to understand dogs better, buy this book and watch this show. I cannot tell you what a positive eye-opener this experience has become.

Vene, vidi, vici. Hail Cesar!

You Know You Are A Paramedic If… Part Two

2006-04-24T16:49:00.000-04:00

These are added to what was done previously.

You know you are a Paramedic if...

…you want to invent the rectal V-vac for the "other BLS skills" code
…your idea of a good time is cracking a D-tank in the ear of your sleeping partner to "break up your shift a little"
…you reply to dispatch, "Roger, code 3 general mayonnaise" to see if anyone catches it
…eating in an ambulance IS a good clean practice
…you think bathing in 1 part bleach 10 parts water is just good hygiene
…you don't think there is anything private about asking someone if they take Viagra
…you wake up at the hospital and you aren't a patient
…you have a shower installed outside of your home for an "after work refreshment".
…you know the apartment where your patient is will be is "the last one on the right".
…you have mastered the part paramedic/part ventriloquist face when driving towards a scene with someone frantically waving you in- "Like I can't see you, you idiot-now move before I drive over both of your arms!"
…you are more worried about the patient's dog/pets than the patient.
…you think jamming that piece of pizza into the drink holder will keep it clean until you are done the call
…placing a sheet on the passenger sheet is a normal routine when taking family to the hospital in the ambulance-When asked what you are doing that for, you reply, "It is to protect you from us"
…you find yourself asking patients if they like the brand of antidepressant that they are taking to compare to your own
…you turn up your radio nice and loud screaming HA HA!! when you are beating the fire department to the call
…you sigh and say, "Oh, those buggers" when you hear, "Test page, test page only"
…you can admit that you have used the sharps holder for your coffee

And my personal favorite to date...

...you have ever farted in the truck to IMPROVE the smell.

New Links

2006-04-24T16:17:00.000-04:00

So I decided today to add a few more links to my site; and screwed it up. The links are there and they work, but they seem to...be...miles...apart...from...each...other. Why? Because I did it, that's why. When computers are involved, no other explanation is required. I think in my attempt to delete Steve's blogsite (still sad to see it's gone by the way, always enjoyed his stuff) I think I deleted some others. Please don't take offence, I'm an idiot and hopefully all should be rectified soon.

Why do I think this? I have placed a call to the two people I know that can help me. My wife, and Pernell. Hopefully all should be fixed up in a day or two. In the mean time, allow me to explain my links.

Local Weather
I always check the weather before I go for work. Because really, I'm going to have to stand out in it for lengths of time so I want to know what to expect. Then I started to check it every day. It's a habit now, every morning I check my e-mail and the weather for the day. So if I do, then maybe others want to as well.

The Doctor Is In
This is a website that lists thousands of different medical topics. Medications, diseases, symtoms etc. Very useful tool. Bear in mind though it's an American site. Not all Canadian drugs are approved for the US.

Dictionary
Granted, I am no scholar of the English language, but it's intentional murder drives me crazy. As an example, the intentional replacement of an "es" with a "zed" drives me nuts. One or two words are ok if they are salient to the story or to make a point, but that's about all I can take. Why does this happen? I don't rightly know but I thought that if having an on-line dictionary close at hand helps me, it may help others.

Help of the Dog Owner
Just a site that has hundreds of different articles written by dog lovers for dog owners on just about any topic you can imagine. I gave this site to Abby and thought that I would share it with anyone else that might be interested.

So that's it. Hopefully soon the site will look normal again.

Until then, please have patience.

"Birthday greetings, bottle of wine....."

2006-04-22T17:36:00.000-04:00

So I called my mother today. For no reason than I haven't really spoken with her in awhile and I haven't seen her since before easter. Incidentally, do you know what you call a rabbit soaked iun lighter fluid? The Ether Bunny.

So I called mom just to chat and to talk a little about monday. For those who don't know my mom, it's her birthday on monday. In our family, on birthdays, we usually just come together to have dinner together and the birthday celebrant gets to decide the meal. As it's mom's birthday and she usually does the cooking, we'll be ordering in. Likely Swiss Chalet. That's the usual fall back dinner. When you can't make up your mind, get Swiss Chalet, everybody (in my family) likes Swiss Chalet. Can't go wrong really.

Now my mom is a real special lady. Diminutive though she may be (she is taller than Jaci though, but not by much) she carries with her an aura of.....well really it's fear. Ask anyone that knows my mom and they will all say the same thing, "Wonderful lady, but I'm not going to cross her!" I don't really know why. I've never seen her REALLY angry. Which is odd, considering the stunts I've pulled in my day.

Jaci and I even had this conversation shortly after we got engaged. I said very plainly "Jac, I love you more than life itself and if you get into an argument with anyone in the family I will stand with you all the way. If you get my mother mad I'll be in the car."

So hats off to the lady that sat through lord knows how many soccer games, choir concerts, band concerts, plays, school and cadet functions and many many other things. The woman who was there for me always from the time I was a wee lad will always hold a special place.

I hope your birthday will be great! Lots of love.

Rich

p.s. I still get to pick your nursing home.

I wear my sunglasses at night....

2006-04-19T17:46:00.000-04:00

So in the news recently is how hydro is going up (on average) 10%. In a sad way I understand this because the province makes "x" amount of power and if consumers want to use more than that than hydro buys it elsewhere. And because Hydro is a business; and a lucrative one if the 1.5 million dollar salery of its CEO is any indication, it wants to make money. This I understand as well.

Now for my opinion, which as usual will likely get me into some hot water (which is heated by??). The jump in hydro is our own fault. Residential and commercial consumers as a whole do very little to keep hydro consumption down. I shall explain.

During winter months of course we need to heat our homes, but during your working hours how many actually turn their heat down? Not many do; but really, does it have to be a comfy 22 degrees when you aren't there or can the dogs and cats tolerate a little cillier 19 degrees? Doesn't seem like much, but it does add up.

What about air conditioning? Hydro One cites the massive use of air conditioners, central air and the like as the major factor in power shortages and some have cited air conditioning as a large factor in the blackout of '03. Do we need air conditioning running all the time in the warmer months? I know that I've never had it and there have been times I would have sold my soul for it but I'm still alive. Humans survived for thousands of years without air conditioning just fine.

That being said I hear loud and clear the argument that we have the technology, you have the money, chill away. Understood, just so long as you don't complain about paying more for hydro.

On the commercial side, in addition to commercial sized heating and air conditioning as above, many businesses leave lights on at night when no one is there. I drive downtown Hamilton for work and at four in the morning you don't need streetlights because of all the lights left on with many businesses.

I would definately be in favour of a city by-law restricting businesses from leaving lights on during off hours. We as tax payers pay for street lights, and are now paying added hydro costs.

Largely it's an individual issue. I have energy saving light bulbs which cost a little more to buy, but use ALOT less energy and last 100 times as long as a regular bulb. I have already recouped the costs for the bulbs themselves.

I think if everyone made a conscious effort to use a little less power, we would all save money in the end.

As with all things, it's a personal choice. I've made mine.

Circling part two.

2006-04-05T16:16:00.000-04:00

I've had some comments on my previous blog (some posted, some not) that made me want to take another shot to see if I can get my point across because I'm really not unsympathetic and I'm really not uninformed. At least if we assume the publications where I get my information are in any way accurate.

So let me start with the history.

Land was granted to Joseph Brant for his help in the American Revolution (he sided with the British) in what became known as the Haldimand Proclamation in 1784. Joseph Brant was ceded land six miles on either side of the Grand River from Lake Erie to what is now Dundalk (almost Owen Sound). This was somewhere is the neighborhood of 950,000 acres.

Lt. Governor John Simcoe downgraded this to 275,000 acres in 1795. Most of the rest of the land was either taken by the crown or sold back to the crown in 1848. I say either because one native leader says "Taken" while another is quoted as saying that the Indians weren't "properly compensated" which leads to believe a deal was struck. If that's the case, then at the time it must have seemed like a good enough deal.

In 1924 due mostly to the federal government, the concept of Band Councils came to fruition. I'm not completely up to date on the history of the band council, but as of today, they are elected positions. Not appointed by the government.

In 1987 the Plank Road Tract (which is now Hgwy 6 South) was registered as a land claim, and the specific area in question in Caledonia was registered in 1995 as a land claim. It is my understanding that there exists land claims filed in Ottawa to the tune of some 400 Billion dollars worth.

Before Henco broke ground they had to get approval to do so. Part of this process is notification of the elected band council. I have not seen the paperwork involved but I think it's fair to assume that approvals were given to start the project.

Now that Henco has put in more than 6 million dollars into the project, the natives protest and everyone starts thinking about Oka and Ipperwash. So that's the history. Or a good chunk of it anyway.

It's my understanding that the native leadership is divided. There is the elected Band Council, the hereditary Chiefs and Clan Mothers (who I understand have more of an advisory role). Most natives recognize the elected council and/or the chiefs depending on the situation. It is also my understanding the government deals almost exclusively with the Band Council. It doesn't seem like the natives can decide who their actual leaders are. If some want to follow the council, and some want to follow the chiefs, why not elect the chiefs to the council? Wouldn't that make sense? It is an elected body. Speaking of elections, why aren't there more (or any) natives in parliament? Interesting question I think.

Everybody who can read or listen to the news knows the natives are unhappy. Do they have a right to be? I don't know. I don't know how they were treated in the 18th, 19th and early 20th century because I wasn't there. The native account seems to frequently differ from what is called the "official" record.

The natives have said they want to deal with the Queen, the Governor General, or the Attorney General on a "nation to nation basis". If they truly wanted that, they would have looked at any fifth grade textbook to see who actually governs the nation.

What they are doing is this: one side is using the laws to try and gain what they believe they have lost while the other side is flagrantly breaking those very laws; and for the latter, it's going to be to no good end. I'm no lawyer but I'm not a fool. The kind of claims they're talking about don't get settled in a day, a month, or even a year. Sometimes they take decades. It may be slow, but hopefully it will be at the least thoroughly done.

If the natives stay where they are this won't end well for them. Either the police will enforce the law (which is my vote) or the public will lose interest. If the public doesn't care, neither will the government.

To conclude I will say that I'm more informed than many would think and I know that I don't know enough. Right now I do not in any way support these protesters. They are criminals and they should be locked up. Those leaders who have filed claims and are trying to do it the right way, they should absolutely be heard and given every chance to prove what they say. I support their efforts completely.

There are many implications of what is going on in Caledonia; anyone can see that. But in my heart of heart I believe that this protest is wrong. They made their point, they got their free press, no further good will come of their lawlessness.

There can always be a "Nuff said", but there should never be a "Nuff listen".

Who's circling the wagons now?

2006-04-04T18:48:00.000-04:00

Today I going to express my opinion about an ongoing "hot" topic that's been in the news everyday lately. Before I begin I want to state emphatically that this is my opinion only, please bear that in mind.

I am sick and bloody tired of the damn natives. Not all mind you, just the ones that like to protest "peacefully". Their behavior is akin to sitting "peacefully" beside a really big dog while holding a steak in one hand and poking the dog with a sharp stick. The end result is no matter what you say, you're gonna get bitten.

Before the developer broke ground he would have had to file a substantial amount of paper work with local officials. Was there a protest then? No.

When construction begins one doesn't help but notice all the heavy equipment re-shaping the landscape. Was there a protest then? No.

The protest starts when the developer has put millions into the project (far too much to reasonably pull out) and who really gets hurt here? Mostly the developer. Now that there is a definitive court order for the protesters to vacate, they are coming out of the woodwork. One man from a reservation in Cornwall has even stated (note the quotes) "Sometimes I hope it doesn't end violently, sometimes I hope it does...At least it would be finished and we could show we are ready to do what we have to do,".

And what is that? Hold the developer and the provincial government up for extorted blackmail. If they kick up enough stink, they hope government will throw some money at them.

What is the issue here? The natives are stating that the land was given to Joseph Brant almost a couple of CENTURIES ago. Is he still alive? Does he want the land back? Are there any of his ACTUAL descendants that are making this claim? No, no, and no. But once the land starts to look inhabitable, the natives get restless. They draw a literal line in the sand and publicly state that they won't be responsible for anyone who crosses it.

So now there is a definitive order from a court of law saying if you don't get off the land, you will be arrested and forcibly removed. So why hasn't the OPP done this? If it had been Muslims, Chinese, Spanish, or a group of circus clowns doing the protest the OPP would have evicted them on day one. Maybe they are still smarting from Ipperwash; that's only my guess.

So what does it all boil down to? They are breaking the law, and flaunting it; and the most tragic thing about this is they are getting away with it. Can I do that? Can I go to the store down the street, grab a new TV, walk out and dare the police to arrest me? Sure I can and you know what would happen? I'd get arrested. Natives aren't special. They really aren't. If they think they are getting the rotten end of things they should try walking down Main St. Beijing holding the King James Bible. Those protesters have real guts and a real cause.

For those of you who think I am wrong, and you're out there, I know you are; before you start to jump all over what I am saying do something for me first. Take a drive to any reservation you want. Pick five of them if you like, or even more than five and drive through them. Show me one, ONE reservation where they have either developed the land enough so they and their families can live in comfort AND/OR where they living with nature according to their vaunted native traditions. I think you will be hard pressed indeed and I believe ultimately unsuccessful.

So here is my solution. Get a large force of police (no firearms), outnumber them and arrest them. In accordance to the law they are breaking and flaunting. Let them commune with nature in a 5x9 cell.

To my mind, there is no such thing as a native Canadian, a French Canadian, an English Canadian or an anything else Canadian. We are all Canadian. Period. We are free citizens in a lawful society where the best and brightest know there are better ways to get your point across.

'Nuff said.

What the Chuck?

2006-04-03T19:39:00.000-04:00

If you are close to my age or older, you would remember the martial arts movie craze of the 80's. I have vivid memories of watching "Revenge of the Ninja" at my Dad's apartment on Main St. One of the principal actors in several of these action flicks was Chuck Norris. In addition to which he is (in)famous for the Missing in Action series, as well as the Delta Force series.

I mention this becauseI read a full page article in the spec today and I openly laughed several times. This article listed a number of things written about Chuck Norris on the internet and by and large they are all crap. But it's funny crap. Below are some of the highlights.

When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris
When Chuck Norris does a push-up, he isn't lifting himself up, he's pushing the earth down.
Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
Chuck Norris is the reason Waldo is hiding.
Chuck Norris is suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.
Chuck Norris doesn't wear a watch. He decides what time it is.
Chuck Norris doesn't sleep. He waits.
Chuck Norris's tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.
Chuck Norris has two speeds, walk and kill.
Chuck Norris has a deep and abiding respect for human life....unless it gets in his way.
There is no chin under Chuck Norris's beard. There is only another fist.
They once tried to carve Chuck Norris's face into Mount Rushmore, but the granite wasn't hard enough for his beard.
In the beginning, there was nothing...and then Chuck Norris round-house-kicked that nothing in the face and said "Get a job." That is the story of the universe.
Chuck Norris ordered a Big Mac at Burger King, and got one.
When Chuck Norris aired in France, the French surrendered to him just to be on the safe side.
There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Chuck Norris lives in Oklahoma.
There is no such thing as global warming. Chuck Norris was cold, so he turned the sun up.
Chuck Norris can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.

That's it for now (with apologies to Doug Foley). Life's too short not to be laughing.

Smile, or Chuck Norris will find you.

My bad.

2006-04-02T11:24:00.000-04:00

I was reading Abby's blog and I was going to leave a comment and as so often happens with me my "comment" seemed to drag itself into a blog. So for the record, this started as a comment to something Abby had said.

Anyone with pets will tell you that with an animal, you always know where you stand. Whether it's one animal to another animal, or animal to human (which is also an animal, I know); there is never any doubt about what that animal thinks of you. Dogs will cuddle up, or growl. Birds will sit on your shoulder, or fly away. Cats will ignore you, well they ignore you regardless but if they don't like you they pee on your things.

Humans on the other hand are not that simple. Far too often we don't tell people what we really think of them. Why is this I wonder. Is it because we are afraid to open up to some and therefore risk exposing ourselves to emotional risk? Are we sometimes to afraid of what other people think of us to tell them what we really think? Maybe it's just a twisted sense of politeness.

Now that's an interesting thought. Is it more rude to tell someone "I don't overly like you, but I can still be civil and polite to you" or to make them think that you like them? Are we trying to spare their feelings or are we trying to avoid the confrontation.

With Jaci for example. She is the light of my life and the beat of my heart. I make a point to tell her likely at least a dozen times a day that I love and I thank God that He has put her into my life. I'm pretty sure I got the better end of THAT deal! But what about with others.

As for Abby. I will say that I don't know her as well as I would like. I will also say that from what I do know I like her very much. She has a refreshing sense of honesty and doesn't shy away from topics from her own life that that many would find hard to talk about. Based on what I have read, she is far and away one of the most courageous people I know. She has made numerous overtures to join conversations and leave comments on blogs. So to my way of thinking, if she feels excluded, than I am not meeting her half-way. I am not making the same overtures and I do feel bad.

So after all that. I think that with my personality, if i didn't like someone, they'd know it pretty quick. I try not to hide that. It will not however preclude civility and politeness. I was raised to be courteous and I do make every effort.

So to conclude. Abby, I'm sorry I haven't spoken with you as much as I should have but I will endeavor to correct that oversight.

'Nuff said.

Look up! There it goes!

2006-03-23T12:43:00.000-05:00

During the discussion last night I realized a few things. First is that I don't much care for the group "Radiohead". Second is that while I watched the video for the song I wasn't enjoying, I didn't really see it, even on the second take. Third is that I'm just really not that bright, either that or I'm too apathetic. Shall I explain?

The discussion was centred around the video, it's contents and tying that to faith and the area where the church is located. You know what? I didn't get it. When the video was showing the grafitti on the walls and the "tags" of the different scrawlers, do you know what was running through my head? Words to the effect of "Lawless S.O.B's who have no respect for rules or authority."

Nothing about their creative expression, artistic ability, or anything even remotely connected. Punks with paint. To me, that was the bottom line.

And then the discussion turned to matters of faith. I can't say that I got too much from it because the level of the discussion was quite above my head. Let me use this analogy. In the journey of faith, I am no longer crawling. I think I have started to take steps on my own two feet. Baby steps maybe, but definately walking; and the level of discussion last night was cruisin' down the highway in a lexus. But I'm OK with that. As Nick said "I don't even understand women, let alone God!" I have time.

I have also been learning about myself as I pertain to art and culture within the community and around it. I am learning that as a general rule I could give a rat's behind about most of it. For example, I look at a Bateman painting and I love it, I look at a Picasso or a Van Gogh (and I have) and I think "People PAID for that?!?" I don't get it; it doesn't interest me enough to learn, and I'm OK with that. That's one of the beautiful things about the arts, they mean different things to different people and sometimes mean nothing at all.

I don't know if Jaci and I will be there next week because of vacation, but I will go back. Even if only for the company before and after.

Cheers!

News and views.

2006-03-14T13:28:00.000-05:00

I have a couple of things to talk about and I'm going to combine them into one (reasonably lengthed?) blog. First...

TIM HORTONS

Anyone reading the news and is a coffee fan knows about the two girls and the coffee cup. My opinion is this: The first girl found it, it's hers. Even if she did ask for help rolling the rim. This solution is too simple. All parties - pronounced 'parents' (I couldn't bring myself to use the word adult) will spend thousands of dollars on legal fees for a judge to likely say what I just did.

With that being said, if I were the owners of Tim Horton Donuts (and with the IPO, one day that just may be the case) I would say something like, "Can't decide? Here's what we'll do. We take the 30,000$ RAV4, slice it down the middle, and you can call heads or tails to decide whether you get the driver or passenger side."

Worked for Solomon didn't it?

STEVEN HARPER

Whether you like him or not (and I don't), I am more than a little impressed that his first out of country visit was to Kandahar to visit the troops. Many Canadians are concerned that our role which is traditionally a "peacekeeping" role has developed there to become more of a combative "peace-making" role. I understand this concern, and so I'm sure do our soldiers.

Never forget that a soldier does not ever make policy. They follow the directives that come from their political masters. So while the public may not like or be comfortable with what the soldiers are doing, never stop supporting them or ever make them feel alone. If you have an issue, call your MP; if you meet a soldier, thank them sincerely for their service and pray that those still over there come home safe and sound.

Steven Harper I'm sure was not lost to the potential photo-ops from this visit. Be that as it may, he made the visit, and reminded the troops that while they were far from home, they were still in the minds of the highest level of their government. They are not forgotten.

CARL

Friday a man died. While I was not there at his death I was there while five medics and three firefighters worked frantically to try and get his heart started and to get him breathing again. Sadly we were not successful. I didn't see Carl's obituary in the paper. Why? Likely because he was of "No Fixed Address", or homeless.

Carl and I met more than a dozen times. He would get drunk and lie down somewhere to sleep (parking lot, stairwell, places like that) and a concerned citizen would call 911 and report a "man down". In my experience Carl was not really a nice man, personality or circumstance I don't know but he wasn't the worst I've encountered. He didn't try to hit me or spit on me. He just wanted to be left alone to his own devices. I can say that at least he was in a warm place when he died.

Even though he was homeless, their should be some service. Some clergy somewhere to say a prayer for his soul. As I didn't find an obituary, I assume he went to the morgue for cremation by the city. I don't know if it's my place, but I did say a prayer for Carl. Was it too little, too late? I don't know.

I feel a little better though.

If the dog is quiet, be afraid.

2006-03-11T23:17:00.000-05:00

So this weekend I did a base change to help out a fellow medic and instead of my 0630-1830 shift I'm working 1030-2230. No big deal. This morning I was sleeping at around 8am and I thought I heard my cell phone turn on. I assumed this was me dreaming because I was sleeping and Jaci was at work. And on the off chance that a burglar broke in, I'm sure of two things. One, he wouldn't care about the phone and two, I have a hulking German Shepherd to serve and protect. As the dog was finally quiet (she whines at the cats), I paid the imaginary noise no mind. As soon as I thought about the dog being quiet I should have leapt from the bed faster than a greased pig headed for the chow. But I didn't. Because I'm naive, and not yet fully understanding of the dog mentality.

So when I do rise at 9 o'clock I go to the kitchen and see my cell phone case on the floor. With a fresh set of Chewie's dental work in it. This does not overly upset me because the case is still usable and the pot marks add character and an amusing anecdote. Then I see the phone. Lying still and lifeless on the living room floor, powered on and marked all over with teethmarks and drool stains is now merely the inanimate object that was once my cell phone.

It's gone. It still has the ability to receive calls (the vibrate functions no more), and send calls IF I remember the phone number and IF I punch it in right. The screen which was once graced by Angelina Jolie (she's on my list, ask Jaci) is nothing but odd streaks of distortion. And everybody from Jaci, to my partner, nurses, doctors and anyone within earshot thinks this is funny. Maybe it will be one day. One day far from this day.

As I was looking at it in shock and horror I turn to the dog who is looking at me as if to say.....nothing; because she then closed her eyes as if to sleep. Ah to sleep, perchance to dream of her next victim. I saw her eyeing my XBox tonight and I think I detected some drool so tomorrow she and I will watch "Old Yeller" so that I can make my point clear if she goes near it.

Monday I go shopping for a new phone.

The Grizzly Man

2006-03-09T23:37:00.000-05:00

Jaci and I just watched "The Grizzly Man" which was a movie chronicling some of the events and even up to hours before the death of Timothy Treadwell (1957 - 2003). If you are unaware of who Treadwell is, he was a man who traveled to Alaska every summer from 1990 through 2003 to film and live with the Grizzly bears. His purpose as he saw it was to protect the bears from all dangers and to study them. His footage shows remarkably close contact, and even touching the bears. He and his girlfriend were killed by a Grizzly in October of 2003 and we know this because their deaths were caught on audio tape. Thankfully the tape wasn't played, but its contents were discussed.

Now I love bears, all bears, always have and likely always will. I believe they are majestic creatures who I think live a lot like I do. We eat, we sleep, we poop, and if we can get some nookie from Mrs Bear than life is just that much grander. Watching what Treadwell did made me very jealous. I know I will never have an encounter like he had with a bear until I die and I get to do it in heaven (where I'm already dead and I'm pretty sure the bears in heaven will be pretty docile).

About half way through the film, while still jealous I realized that this man was certifiably insane and/or stupid. I admire his convictions and what he was trying to do but not in the way that he did them. While he was able to live for the most part among the bears, never did he harm them or do anything remotely untoward. What he did do I think is show some of those bears that human contact is OK and safe. This is NOT the case! In the end I don't think he did those wonderful animals any favours, and in fact may have inadvertently harmed them.

The bears didn't know him or know how he cared for them. In the eyes of the bear is only the indifferent stare of nature looking with curiosity at something that only an already full belly saves from becoming food. In the end Treadwell and his star cross'd lover did become dinner for a hungry bear looking to fatten up before the winter.

Park Rangers found and shot the bear with pieces of the two still inside.

The movie was an eye-opener for me. My respect and love of bears has not changed. My eyes were opened to the lengths that people will delude themselves based on absolutely no evidence. If you are a nature and/or bear lover than I do recommend the movie. I would caution only that there are a few times that the language gets intense. Only once or twice though.

Wow.

It's a dog eat dog world!

2006-03-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

So last night was Chewie's "Graduation" from Grade One training (Jaci will blog on that later). Before we went to that we went over to my work partner's house for dinner. We were to return to Darren's after graduation because he and his wife had tickets to the Great Big Sea concert (actually he had the tickets and he opted to take his wife and not me, his partner-shocking I know). At any rate Darren suggested we bring Chewie to meet his dog Rosco.

I was leery. Chewie so far hasn't done remarkably well around other dogs. However, I know Rosco well and he's a very good natured and well trained mutt (I say mutt only because he has at least 6 discernible breeds in him). Rosco really is a great dog, and added to that Darren has a two year old son (Liam-one of the cutest I've ever seen!) and Rosco is very good with the toddler. So we decide that it's probably a good idea to introduce the two of them.

To make a long story short, after a few minutes of nervousness (mostly mine) Chewie and Rosco became fast friends. Almost to the point that it's too bad they're both fixed.

You Know You Are A Paramedic If…

2006-03-04T12:25:00.000-05:00

…your stethescope says “here to save your ass, not kiss it!”

...you’ve ever told a patient to “move toward the light”

…you believe some patients are alive only because it’s illegal to kill them

…you can’t cure stupid

…you’ve seen more moons than the Hubbell Telescope

…you hope there’s a special place in hell for the inventor of the base page

…you never use the words “quiet” or “slow” to describe your shift because as soon as you say it, it will cease to be so.

…you wash your hands before you go to the bathroom

…you’ve ever thought a blood pressure cuff would be an excellent christmas gift

…you’ve ever spent more money on a stethescope than on a car payment

…you consider a tongue depressor an eating utensil

…you know it’s a full moon without having to look at the sky

…eating mircowave popcorn from a clean k-basin is perfectly natural

…you believe in the aerial apraying of prozac

…you believe that the “Tele-Health” progam is a Satanic plot

…you believe that every amulance should come equipped with a valium salt lick

…your idea of a good time is a code 4 as soon as your relief walks in

…you keep a little black book of your regulars to save you having to talk to them

…you start each shift by pre-filling for your regulars

…you have listed “HBD” as a final diagnosis

…you have used the “occular” method to check vital signs

…you know and have used the “East end assessment”

More to follow??

Ipperwash

2006-03-03T18:15:00.000-05:00

Steve C. has some posts on this topic and I was starting to post a comment and then I realized that with the amount I was typing, I might as post on it. So here goes.

In Canada, we live in a free and democratic state, where we duly elect representatives to govern us. These folks draft and enact laws. Sadly sometimes these laws get broken and we therefore need a police force, not to confuse police force with police state. I know several of Hamilton's finest and a few RCMP Constables but not too many OPP. What I have learned is that police in this country are SO restricted in their activities that in the course of a 12 hour shift, they will answer only a few calls because each call generates MOUNTAINS of paperwork.

In many ways I believe their restrictions are a good thing. They should not be able to listen in on my phone calls unless they prove to a judge that there's a good chance I'm breaking the law. They should be required to advise me of my rights if they are going to deprive me of my freedom (i.e. put me in the clink). And as I have seen first hand, they respond with only the force needed to keep the peace and resolve violence (exceptions happen, but are rare). While it's true I don't expect our police to go about looking for a fight, it is equally true that if they have to fight, I don't expect them to lose.

With this being said, in that Free State, the OPP does answer to the office of the premier. The premier's office does not have the authority to order an assassination. Mike Harris could very well have screamed at the top of a mountain (with or without slurs) that he wanted all the protesters shot, hung, drawn and quartered, but it makes no difference. All police services have VERY strict rules about when they can and when they cannot use force, and using force because the premier said so doesn't qualify.

I don't profess to know everything about what happened at Ipperwash. But I know cops. To get such a strong police presence meant that the natives were either armed, threatening violence or both. They were breaking laws whether they believe themselves justified or not.

Were mistakes made? Probably. Only by law enforcement? Not likely. If the protesters made peaceful demonstrations and called their elected representatives persistently for action would Mr. George still be alive? Who knows.

Kierkegaard once said that "Life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forward."

'Nuff said.

I read the news today.....Oh, boy!

2006-02-27T08:59:00.000-05:00

It's Monday morning and I worked a night shift last night. I'm still awake for a few reasons, one is that Jaci gets her first work break at 0915 and I haven't heard her voice in a few hours, I miss her so I wait. Two is that after work there was about 15 medics and ambulance dispatchers that went out for breakfast, so I got home later. Three is that while at work, I got about 3-3.5 hours of sleep at the end of my shift, so I'm not overly tired (no comments on that one please).

So whilst I am waiting to hear the honey-sweet voice that belongs to my beautiful bride, I read the morning newspaper and there were a few articles that I thought were worth a blog. So here we go.

PARKING
First, a business owner is downtown Hamilton is saying that free parking is the ticket to help re-vitalize the downtown core. Bull. To begin, the city's finances are way to fragile to lose the revenue. Second, free parking is a band-aid solution, and not a good band-aid at that. In my opinion, better policing (which is starting with more beat-cops) is where to start and then focus on targeted commercial re-vitalization. Strip clubs, peep shows, and drug parephenelia stores don't do much for your average client base.

FREE DENTIST
A couple of Philippine dentists (nationality is only relevant because of what was going on there 20 years ago this time) and their staff have given their time and materials to give free dental care to needy families. The only day so far that they have done this they reached about 20 families, which will grow exponentially if they keep it up. I hope they do and I doff my hat to them.

4.74 SECONDS
If you get a chance, read this article in the spec (page A9). Un-real. Canada lost out on 10 Olympic medals because of 4.74 seconds. All I have to say about that is any Olympic athlete has my respect and admiration and really, fourth in an Olympic race is better than 99.9% of the global population can achieve. Hats off to all of them, from all nations (especially the Latvians).

BON SOIR MON AMI
Friday night saw the passing of one of the greatest comedic giants ever. Five time Emmy winner (all from The Andy Griffith Show) Don Knotts passed away from pulmonary complications. The ability to make all generations laugh equally hard enough for milk to shoot from your nasal passages is truly a gift from God. Mr. Knotts did just that in a G-rated fashion for more than half a century. Rest in peace and I have no doubt that there is now milk on heaven's walls.

So that is the opinion for today. I have spoken with the love of my life and I am ready for bed. Thanks for reading.

Organs, organs everywhere and never a donor card

2006-02-23T22:45:00.000-05:00

There is a private members' bill being introduced into the Ontario Legislature by Mr. Frank Klees (PC) where he wants to make it mandatory that you fill out your organ donor card. If you don't, then you don't get your driver's license and/or your health card. His bill doesn't say you have to donate, just that you have to check one of the boxes (yes/no/undecided). His reasoning is that by making you check a box the hope is you read what you are signing and opt to donate. Even if you don't sign yes right away the intent is to get you to THINK about the topic and just maybe discuss it with your family.

This bill comes right on the heels of another private members' bill by Peter Cormos (NDP) where his bill is calling for a presumed consent unless stated otherwise. An idea that I think has some merit, I also think it may just be too much of a reach for the general public. Judicious note should be taken my gentle readers that these bills are private bills being introduced by first a New Democrat and then a Conservative. In case you lost track, in Ontario we have a Liberal majority which means that both bills will likely die a quick death and may rise from the ashes in the next provincial election.

And now for my two cent opinion. I think it's a GREAT idea but I think Mr. Klees is closer to the mark. Start small. Baby steps. Most think organ donation is great unless it's the organs of their loved one who was just in a fatal accident and hour ago. I have seen families at that junction and they are in serious overload and often and emotional shock.

More often than not the first reaction of family is to deny organ donation many times because they want to keep their loved one "whole". I understand the concept, and I completely sympathize. Jaci and I have spoken on the matter and I know her wishes but if (God truly forbid) something were to happen could I give up her organs? I would like to think I could and pray every day that I will never have to make that decision. I have also told Jaci that should anything happen to me, give away whatever they will take, burn the rest, and "party on Wayne!"

In short though, whatever the outcome, people are now talking about it. Whatever it takes to get the issue into the front of people's minds long enough to provoke a discussion. I commend these two courageous MPP's and wish them the very best.

'Nuff said.

The Phone Call

2006-02-17T21:43:00.000-05:00

So the other day when I was on my rant about CUPE and my hiney and suchforth, my gears were sufficiently ground to call my MPP, now granted I had to look up who it was since I moved to Dundas (Ted McMeekin, Liberal, in case you wondered). So I place a call to his local office during business hours and get his answering machine stating when the office was open (incidentally, the office should have been open when I called).

In my message I said that I was a constituent and wanted to ask some questions about Bill 206, and would like SOMEONE to call me back. Fully expecting one of two options, either no call back (which would have merited another phone call and a much nastier toned blog) or one of his aides to call me. I didn't think the member would call me because I am really only one guy, calling about a hot topic, and I do realize the member is likely a busy guy.

Imagine my utter shock when at about 2115h this evening my phone rings and it's Mr. McMeekin himself! Completely floored he and I then got into my opinions on the bill and why I don't think the City is going to get behind it etc etc etc. Ted listened very patiently (I call him Ted now, he and I are pretty tight - actually I called him 'sir') and explained a little more to me and gave me some of the pieces of the elusive 'big picture'.

At the end of the conversation, my opinion hadn't changed. I am now and always have been in favour of the bill. I now have a little better understanding of our corner of the village. I am also more firmly convinced that the CUPE leadership (mind I said leadership and not members) are at this point doing nothing more than sword-rattling and flexing their collective muscle trying to "out-pee" the next guy, and getting column inches at the same time. Don't them fool you, they say they are trying to "protect their members pension". Bull.

The pensions are fine. They see one small group of people who are not legally allowed to strike to get their interests heard, getting a different piece of pie than those that can strike every three years. And the CUPE leadership is crying foul. I think the whole thing stinks. But I digress.

Ted called me and was prepared to talk to me about the hottest thing in the provincial legislature right now. This I like. Even though I believe Dalton McGuinty is a wee bit of a horse's petoot, my heart beats a little better knowing I am represented by someone who makes these calls even after business hours.

I just may call him again.

CUPE can kiss my hiney.....

2006-02-13T20:42:00.000-05:00

There is a planned legislation for the province to offload some of there pension responsibilities to the city when the legislature comes back into session. As I understand it, the province will download to the city and make some pension benefits contract negotiable to the city's emergency workers (Police, Paramedics, and the fire folks). These will all us to retire just a little bit earlier, with a little better pensions. Naturally this is near and dear to my heart.

The CUPE boss in Hamilton, a Gus Oliveira, is mad because this benefit will not be extended to his members, largely day-care workers, librarians, garbage collectors, school board members and other municipal workers. He is threatening strike action of some-sort to show his discontent.

Here is what is reported. Mr. Oliveira represents about 2500 workers. He states that he has a vote of 84% in favour of strike. He also states that about 800 workers voted for strike. My math says that 800 does not equal 84% of 2500. While I grant you have to be present to vote, some CUPE members say they didn't even KNOW about a vote. I smell a rat.

No question it is Mr. Oliveira's job to stick up for his people, and for the record I would never demean anyone's choice of employment. What grinds my gears someone in my profession who in one day can face exposure to HIV, Hep B and C, AIDS and numerous other pathogens, who in the same day can face emotionally disturbed and suicidal patients (and for the record, the line between suicidal and homicidal can be razor thin), can face coked-out, strung-out addicts who are none to pleased that you are going to kill their buzz AFTER they realize you stuck a tube down their nose. We also face multiple other day to day dangers of our job where we literally risk our life going by going into work. Not to mention the fact that we are often responsible for making split second decisions on the best way to try and save someone's life. You want mental exhaustion, try that on for size one day. I'm not even going to get started on what the Police or fire people face.

Apparently, CUPE thinks we should not be able to retire a little bit early (don't even get me started on burn out numbers) because the librarians and school custodians can't; and apparently that's just not fair.

In all liklihood, this won't happen because the city just can't afford it. I honestly can't see the city that doesn't care about giving it's Paramedics a contract ever caring about giving them better retirement benefits. I will say that Mr. Oliveira is welcome to ride in my truck any time he likes, but for now he can kiss my hairy Scottish hiney.

'Nuff said.

Poverty

2006-02-13T20:15:00.000-05:00

There was a couple of articles in the Saturday spec that I thought warranted some comment from me in some fashion. Not because I have anything particularly intelligent to say, more that my ire gets fired up and I feel the need to "spout off". So here's one of the lastest.

The article I'm mentioning was the latest in the spec's "Poverty Project" where they mentioned some really good initiatives that some organizations are doing. For examlple, Sir John A. MacDonald secondary school raises somewhere near one hundred thousand dollars each year to do things like run a nutrition program, provide gently used clothing, and give bursaries for bus fares. For those who don't know, Sir John A. sits in downtown Hamilton and sees some of the poorest teens going.

While these programs and others like them are certainly to be congratulated and emulated, they are not groundbreaking. They were conceived and implemented by people who, and here is the kicker, people who care. People who do more than sit in a high level boardroom saying "we should really do something". These are people who say:"Here's the plan, let's make it work."

Obviously money doesn't grow on trees and one can only fund-raise in the community so much before tapping out that resource. So where can we get the money? I have an idea.

When Hamilton was throwing it's hat in the ring for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the City of Hamilton committed more than one hundred ten million dollars to the cause. Have a look at that number $110,000,000.00; one hundred ten MILLION DOLLARS. You know what they say, "A million here, a million there and pretty soon you're talking about some real money!".

So between here and 2014 (total of nine years at the time in 2005) that's what? A little more than 12 million dollars a year? They committed this money knowing they are running around a 30 million dollar deficit each year. My point is this, if the City in all it's splendor can commit that kind of cash to a sporting event, why won't they use it to feed some hungry kids? More importantly, why isn't this question being screamed at city councilors on a daily basis. For me, I sent a letter to the spec (didn't get published) and an e-mail to my city councilor (didn't get a reply) but I am only one man.

I am one man who sees on an almost day to day basis the poverty some people live in, the squalor they call home, and the garbage they call dinner. Yesterday coming out of the Freeway I encountered a woman who was dressed completely inappropriately for the weather who asked me for a light, and I couldn't give her that (I stopped smoking some time ago). She then asked if I knew where she could get a meal for a cheap price, I didn't have any money on me but I did have half a loaf of "Jesus' body" that we were using that night and I gave her that. I wish I could have done more.

Is it right to judge a society by how we treat our elderly, our children, and our down-trodden? If so how do we fare? I shudder to think.

Tagged Again!

2006-02-11T14:25:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't blogged in awhile, but I have read some things in Saturday's newspaper that have got my gears so I'm sure the creative juices will be flowing again soon!

Anyway, I got tagged by Al so here goes!

10 firsts...
1) First boyfriend/girlfriend: Woof! I don't remember that far back!
2) First best friend: Jeff Woodworth, Kindergarden
3) First screen name: PlrBear
4) First kiss: Again, I don't remember but I think I was 11 (ish)
5) First piercings: None.....yet.
6) First Car: 1989 Chevy Celebrity (I got totaled)
7) First love: Jeanette
8) First stuffed animal: Like I would admit that
9) First tried a cigarette: Grade 9
10) First failed class: Biology

9 lasts...
1) last cigarette: Aug 04? When I was in Scotland
2) last alchoholic beverage: What time is it?
3) last car ride:Going to work this morning.
4) last kiss: this morning
5) last phone call: On one right now, same person as last kiss
6) last cd played: Likely the wedding CD
7) last bubble bath: Does farting in the water count? I don't remember my last bath.
8) last time you cried: My wedding
9) last "I love you":this afternoon

8 have you ever...
1) have you ever dated one of your best friends: no
2) have you ever skinny dipped: yes
3) have you ever been on TV: Yes, more times than I am comfortable with
4) have you ever kissed somebody and regretted it: Yes
5) have you ever had a sex dream about someone you knew: yes
6) have you ever fallen in love: Yes
7) have you ever lost someone you loved: Yes
8) have you ever been depressed: Yes

7 places you've been to...
1)Scotland
2) Birmingham, England
3) London, England
4) Boston
5) Chicago
6) Orlando
7) Nassau

6 things you've done today...
1) Check home and work e-mail
2) Kissed my wife and told her I love her.
3) This.
4) Served the sick of the community (ha ha ha)
5) Had no less than THREE naps as work (it's a beautiful thing)
6) Read my book a little more.

5 favorite things in NO order:
1) My Family
2) My cats (and the dog too)
3) My Friends
4) Food (and it shows)
5) Camping

4 things you want to do before you die...
1) Be a dad
2) Finish all my education so that I have letters after my name.
3) Be financially secure
4) Travel Europe

3 things you will do tomorrow:
1) kiss my wife and tell her I love her
2) Go to work
3) likely go to church (depending on when I finish work)

2 things you want to be (that you're not now)...
1) better
2) healthy.

1 thing you are nowRight now?
In love.

Tagged

2006-01-30T18:59:00.000-05:00

fo' tings

I got tagged by Steve C ...

Four jobs I've had:
1. Officer Commanding AdvTrg, Trenton ACSTC
2. Commanding Officer, 2347 RC(Army)CC
3. Registered Practical Nurse
4. Ontario Patient Transfer

Four movies I can watch over and over:
1. Rio Grande
2. Chisum
3. Rio Lobo
4. Any of the Star Wars movies!

Four places I've lived:
1. CFB Trenton
2. CFB Borden
3. CFB Kingston
4. Welland, ON (one of these things is not like the other!)

Four TV shows I love:
1. West Wing
2. CSI (the ORIGINAL)
3. Law and Order (reg and SVU)
4. Family Guy ("Holy crip he's a crapple!")

Four places I've vacationed:
1. Walt Disney World
2. Scotland
3. England
4. Bahamas

Four of my favourite dishes:
1. cow
2. pig
3. poultry
4. HP Sauce

Four sites I visit daily (meaning "often"):
1. CIBC
2. the Weather Network site (hey! I work outdoors a lot)
3. Jaci's blog ('cause she's my favorite)
4. City of Hamilton eNet (they make me check at least once per shift)

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. visiting my mom
2. visiting my in-laws
3. camping
4. doing newlywed things to my sweetie

Four bloggers I am tagging in alphabetical order:
1. Gary Carr (garythenotrashcougar.blogspot.com)
2. Jaci - my better half (studiojaci.blogspot.com)
3. Margie G.
4. Mark J.

Jesus Goes To Court

2006-01-30T16:49:00.000-05:00

In the Saturday, 28 Jan 06 edition of the Hamilton Spectator (not always a paper known for accuracy) I saw the headline "Existance of Jesus Goes to Court". This little catch prase gets my attention and my curiosity is piqued.

The story - In a small town (really though, if you have never heard of the Itialian town, chances are it's a small town) called "Viterbo" an atheist (in Italy?!?) has taken a Catholic priest to court stating that the priest broke two Italian laws. Law number one says that you aren't allowed to fraudulently deceive people and law number two says you aren't allowed to gain by attributing a false name to someone.

The players - Rev. Enrico Righi, a small town priest and Luigi Cascioli his accuser. Apparently both these gentlemen are old schoolmates.

The "facts" - Cascioli claims that the Catholic church has been deceiving people for two thousand years by "furthering the fable that Christ existed" and also states that the church has been profiting by "impersonating as Christ, someone by the name of John of Gamala, the son of Judas of Gamala." Another fact, Cascioli wrote a book entitled the "Fable of Christ".

My reaction - Are you FREAKIN' KIDDING ME?!?!?! Italy is a beautiful country whose citizenry serve in fear of two masters. The Mafia and the Roman Catholic Church. Then out of the blue this little peon tries to challenge one of the basic foundations of the Catholic faith; really of all Christian faith, WHILE IN ITALY. Astounding. He's either got cojones like mountains or the cranial capacity of a tetse fly (no offence to tetse flies).

I myself am still struggling in my journey of faith. I'm not wholly convinced of everything that has been said about Christ. However, even I am convinced that he existed. In what capacity I'm not sure but I am sure that Jesus was born to Mary, in Bethlehem, a little over two thousand years ago. This is supported by volumes of documentation and evidence both Christian and non-Christian. Even (some) other religions don't doubt the existance of Christ although they do doubt his exact role.

To conclude, I have to believe that this is a stunt to try and sell his book; and a particularly stupid stunt at that. Based on this idea of his, I have no desire to read what conclusions he drew in his book, or how he got them. I can only hope that should he live to see the case laughed from court, that he wisen up just a touch.

Not even I'm THAT kind of stupid.

'Nuff said.

The Doctor Appointment....

2006-01-25T13:38:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I had to so see one of my doctors (a specialist) for a routine follow-up appointment. This was my first visit to his new office from the Henderson to St. Joe's Fontbonne building. I noticed some things during my visit that has since prompted me to do some ranting.

First is the check-in. It seems that multiple doctors are using this one reception counter with two women on the phones. This practice is becoming more and more prevalent as a cost cutting measure against the average six figure salary of a physician. These ladies (who I'm sure are perfectly lovely) don't give a rat's behind about me. The conversation went something like this:

Me: Good morning, my name is.....
Her: May I have your health card please?
Me: Sure, I have a 2:15 appointment with...
Her: Did you find your health card sir?
Me: Just getting it now. I'm checking in to be seen by....
Her: I really do need your health card sir.

It was almost like I was in one of those old black and white movies about the Iron Curtin where you were not a person; you only existed AFTER showing your "papers". I was contemplating this while waiting for that special moment when another lady comes to call my name and say "The doctor will see you now". Which is a line we all know is crap! Why don't they tell you the truth? Say something like "Mr. Robinson, thank-you for waiting in the small over-crowded waiting room, did you enjoy the Reader's Digest expose about Trudeau's government? Shocking! We are now going to move you into the private waiting room, where you will wait until the doctor deems you worthy of his presence." In this room you wait and eventually have your moment of precious time with the physician (billed in 15 minute increments).

Now in my case, this doc really is good. He's nice and compassionate and really listens to you and tries his best to help. In more than 10 years I've never seen him run CLOSE to on time but I don't mind with him because I've never left his office feeling like he didn't tell me everything or answer my questions completely. In this visit, he decides I need to go for a small imaging test, not because there's a problem, but more to get a baseline for future reference. I'm OK with this and he give me a slip to give to the women at the front (remember them from earlier?) so they can arrange an appointment.

As I'm standing in line I notice a few things. First is that there is no divide between woman number one (Mutt), and woman number two (Jeff). In fact, there may be only two feet dividing the little plastic windows. This becomes relevant to me because I am forced to listen while Mutt makes an appointment for a kindly gentleman in front of me for a barium enema as this gentleman has had such bad diarrhea that he has soiled his clothes and his bed at night. I can also hear Jeff tell a hunched over octogenarian how she should refrain from sexual intercourse for 24 hours prior to her appointment. All through this I am stunned, shocked, amazed and alarmed.

Where is the vaunted patient confidentiality? Where is the attempt to protect patient dignity? Gone are the days it would seem where the receptionist knew you better than the physician and would ask you about your wife and kids, mention how she bumped into your mother at the supermarket and how mom is looking well.

Like so many other things these days, the costs involved with health care are ballooning while it seems the customer services are shrinking. Have you ever called your family doctor's office and almost felt bad because it seems like you were disturbing these people and bothering them with your problems?

What's the solution? I don't know. Maybe if doctors had their own offices instead of seeming medical conglomerate I would feel like they really were there to help me and make me better. Maybe then I would feel more like a person and less like the picture on my health card.

'Nuff Said

Rich

Jaci gets her own blog!

2006-01-22T21:16:00.000-05:00

After seeing how much ranting I was doing on my blog, Jaci wanted to give it a try so after some farting around she started her own. I haven't figured out completly how to get her linked on my sidebar 'cause my blog mentor is lying flat on his back. I hope his recovery is swift and sure!

studiojaci.blogspot.com

If you get a chance give Jac's blog a lookie-loo!

Burned again.

2006-01-20T22:07:00.000-05:00

I should state up front about this that as a City of Hamilton Paramedic, this is a topic near and dear to my heart, and the views expressed here are solely my own, so don't go gettin' all legal-like on me.

The City of Hamilton has increased the budget for Hamilton Emergency Services (Fire AND Ambulance) by 4% next year to bring the total budget to around 81 million dollars (plus or minus a nickel here and there). This increase is to cover two main areas, wage increase and the building of a swanky new fire station in Ancaster. This grinds my gears and I am going to tell you gentle readers why.

First is the wage increase. Since the amalgamation of the City of Hamilton the Fire Dep't has sucessfully negotiated one and maybe two labour contracts between themselves and the City (they may have finished the second I'm not too sure). Good for them. Do you know how many contracts the City had negotiated with the Ambulance service? None, nil, zip, bupkus, zero, didly-squat and not at all. Wonder why? You aren't the only one.

Because of this, Hamilton Emergency Medical Service, or HEMS (the ambulance guys) have had one raise in pay. Just prior to the world bike racing championships, the medics were thrown a bone to keep us busy so we wouldn't be whining with global attention on the City. Since then, nothing.

Now don't get me wrong, I love my job but the fact remains that HEMS is the lowest paid service in the area and one of the lowest in the province (to the tune of about 5$ an hour difference). It is very true that a City of Hamilton Animal Control officer makes more money than a Paramedic. So that increase to cover the wages, doesn't affect HEMS one iota.

So to the new fire station; do we as Hamiltonians need it? Let me give you some facts and you can decide for yourself. The City of Hamilton covers a vast expanse of area (such as Ancasterm, Dundas, Flamborough, Waterdown, Stoney Creek, Hamilton etc). There are currently 25 Fire stations to cover this off. Most are staffed full time, some are mixed with full time and volunteer and some are strictly volunteer. There are also many stations that have multiple units within the one station, for example, Station 1 (John and King William) has a Supply Truck, a Ladder, a Pumper, and a Squad truck (baby pumper). Station one is also very busy. HES-Fire also staffs some 650 odd full time firefighters PLUS the volunteers (HEMS has about 160 full time medics).

So lets draw a picture. Say you live downtown. Downtown I'm going to define as the large block from Parkdale ave in the east to the Hwy 2 &8 junction (where Main becomes Osler) in the west. Very large right? With that area there are at least nine Fire trucks of varing types. Know how many ambulances cover the same area? Three. Assuming that all three are at base (which is rare) because if any are out then there are fewer trucks to cover more area.

So lets make this math simple. Station One (John St and King William) is one of the busier fire stations in the service. I have the 2005 statistics in black and white. In 2005 Station one responded on 3837 calls of all types. Know how many were ACTUAL fires? No? I do - 274. Remember that 3837 is combined from all three fire trucks at the station. I also know that I personally provided direct patient care on more than 1300 calls in one year. Which means that my partner had to have done "about" the same number. so 2600 calls for our little battle wagon in one year. Now you have to multiply THAT by four because there are four shifts of medics on my truck. So thinking conservitively, my ambulance was at more than ten thousand scenes. Doesn't seem to be much in the way of parity does there?

More math for you. In the HES budget for 2005, FIRE was almost 60 Million and Ambulance was less than 20 million (plus or minus some nickels). So in a nutshell, EMS does three times the call volume, takes one third of the budget, and we can't get the City to sit down and negotiate a contract that would allow us to have something simple as sick time (right now if we are off sick, we don't get paid).

So where am I going with all of this? Does Ancaster need a new Fire Station? That's not the right question. The question should be why is Ancaster not getting a Fire/EMS station? Because corporate bean counters determined long ago that property is far more valuable than life; and the greatest tragedy is that the citizenry allows it happen.

So when you wake up one morning and feel a crushing pain in your chest and call 911, and when the close by Fire Dep't shows up almost instantaneously to put oxygen on you and then stand around and look expensive, then you will wonder why it's taking the ambulance so long to get there. Then you will really care that there aren't that many of us and maybe, just maybe if you live through the night, you can pick up a telephone and discuss the matter with your elected city representative.

Here endeth the squawk. 'Nuff said.

Rich

January Election

2006-01-16T07:28:00.000-05:00

With Paul Martin's minority government overthrown by the forces of ineptitude, we as Canadians are once again going to the polls on the 23rd of January. Politics is always a hot topic around any table (or throne room) and it has been my admittedly limited experience that the most vocally enraged are the ones who have learned the least about the issues; or they don't distinguish between provincial and federal politics. As a "fer instance", one person I know was adamant that he wasn't going to vote for Martin's Liberals because of all the trouble we are having in our local health care arena. He was quoting newspaper articles almost verbatim about the shortages of family doctors, ever increasing waiting periods for just about everything, and the terrible state of Hamilton's Emergency Departments. I almost hated to point out that while he was correct about the details, he failed to notice which branch of government was responsible.

On the same track now, just a different train, here are some my own personal thoughts on politics. During the last federal election I was living on Hamilton Mountain where Beth Phinney has been entrenched for almost two thousand years. I have nothing against Mrs. Phinney, she in fact has been a long time friend of my dad's, however she did lose my vote for two main reasons. The first is that I firmly believe one would have to use dynamite to blow the fence-post out of her butt and make her stand up and state an original opinion. The second, and I believe most important is that I couldn't get her on the phone.

I had an issue I wanted to talk to her about, and as my elected representative I (foolishly?) believed that with a phone call and within a few days, depending on schedules, I could get a few minutes of the member's time. This didn't happen, and this cost her my vote. When I voted in the last election I remember telling my girlfriend (now my wife) that while I was 100% positive that Paul Martin would make a good Prime Minister and Steven Harper as PM scared the jeepers out of me, no way was Phinney getting my vote. Her conservative opponent that time was city councilman Tom Jackson, who I had met a few times (I lived in his ward). Now while I didn't agree with everything Jaskson said, he at least had an opinion and wasn't overly afraid to voice it.

Now the Liberals have chosen councilman Bill Kelly to win the mountain again and I think that he makes a great choice. I have heard him in council and on the radio, and on CH TV when he did the call in show. Mr. Kelly is an intelligent and informed man who seems to listen to what people say and I truly believe he makes what he believes is the best possible decision. Were I living still on the mountain, not only would I vote for Kelly, I may have even offered to volunteer to help elect him.

However, I now live in Dundas. The Dundas riding is actual the riding of Ancaster-Duncas-Flamborough-Westdale. Rather a large bit of territory. Last weekend I had a Liberal Campaigner come to the door and ask if the Liberal incumbent, Russ Powers, could count on my support. I honestly told him that I was new to the area and didn't know much about any of the candidates so I wasn't yet sure where I would vote. The man thanked me for my time and ventured off (leaving me the ever present leaflet).

An hour or two later I was greatly surprised to find Mr. Powers knocking on my front door. The first thing that went through my mind is his riding is huge, my street is small and not a through street, and he's knocking at my door because he likely wants me to get to know him. Actually the first thought that went through my head was "wow, he's kinda short", but that's neither here nor there.

Mr. Powers then stood in my living room while I asked him questions about such things as health care, same sex marriage, and taxes. To his credit he stood firm and answered each question completely and fully. To date, and to my knowledge, he is the only candidate that has knocked on my door.

I believe that voting in a free election is and should be a cherished right of citizenship. I belive that it is just as dangerous to not vote as it is to vote when you really don't know the issues. I am also a firm believer in the "if you don't vote, don't squawk" philosophy. One doesn't have to devour every newspaper and stay glued to each news broadcast, but you should get to know the candidates in your riding. Know who you are sending to represent you in governement and hold them responsible for their words and deeds. If every one did this, I believe we could have a truly responsible government

I think the Liberals are in real trouble this time around, and I don't believe they are going to win. I also don't like mud-slinging and attack ads. In my little corner of Dundas however, Mr. Powers right now has my vote. I may not agree with everything the Liberals have said and done (and I don't), but Mr. Powers stood firm in my living room and was prepared to and did answer anything I asked him. That takes some moxy, and I think just a little character; I can live with that.

p.s. I don't believe Tony Valeri did anything immoral or illegal with his lastest real estate venture, I do think he's just trying to line his pockets a little because he truly believes he will be out of a job in a few weeks. 'Nuff said.

First thoughts...

2006-01-15T21:04:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!

I've been hearing more and more about these "blogs" and how it's an excellant forum to put "thought to paper" so to speak, so I figured I'd give it a try; everyone's entitled to my opinion right? This blog is for Rich, Jaci has her own. So we will be posting individually as the mood strikes us.

My intent is to spout off about whatever happens to be grinding my gears from one week to the next and I have determined that I usually come up with these thoughts during trips to the porcelain throne; hence the name and theme for the blog. Did Jaci go along with the naming ceremony? Well let's just say I got to the computer first while she wasn't looking.

I encourage everyone to check back frequently for new thoughts from the throne and should the mood strike you, let me know what you think. Take care, be well, and happy reading.

Rich