tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79491710620798774242024-03-13T00:45:43.467-04:00Canadian Boomdiadaa journal of journey, adventure and immigration to Canada from the U.S.Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-90262147353163835612014-05-13T11:58:00.000-04:002014-05-13T12:01:15.069-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From the 'Flynn Files'. Meet the newest member of our pack, Flynn, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vizsla" target="_blank">Vizsla</a>. He's 11.5 weeks old today. More on Hungarian Pointers,<a href="http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/dogs-101/videos/vizsla.htm" target="_blank"> here</a>, at Animal Planet-Dogs 101. For a beautiful 'love letter' to both Vizslas and the San Francisco Bay area, try '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyMQzP-XYfU" target="_blank">Vizsla Life in San Francisco</a>'. There are many more awesome vids on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Vizsla" target="_blank"> You Tube</a>.<br />
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<br />Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-37297602189307355112014-01-04T18:37:00.002-05:002014-01-04T18:37:22.173-05:00Well, ...I wanted a water dog.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow. Here's Tilda, a happy, muddy mess in Riverdale Park West. My girl can neither ignore nor avoid (mud) puddles. Summer 2013.</div>
<br />Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-17253915354844490572011-07-17T23:09:00.000-04:002011-07-17T23:09:03.460-04:00Miss Teeth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaTCKPPCoW8/TiOidssIYZI/AAAAAAAABOY/zXWB5gcPIUo/s1600/TildaFace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaTCKPPCoW8/TiOidssIYZI/AAAAAAAABOY/zXWB5gcPIUo/s320/TildaFace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The most current photo of my buddy, Tilda-who will be 6 months old tomorrow.</div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com0West Islip, NY, USA40.7062104 -73.30623020000001640.6770464 -73.328729200000012 40.735374400000005 -73.28373120000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-45540997007271350162011-04-14T09:23:00.000-04:002011-04-14T09:23:06.149-04:00TildaThe new addition to our family, Tilda, a Portuguese Water Dog, was born on January 18th and we adopted her eight weeks later. Here we are sitting outside our friends Tom and Emilio's Gelato/Ice Cream store, Sweet Creamery on Parliament St. in Cabbagetown, Toronto.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sADPxwlJJ9k/TabxuYDIdaI/AAAAAAAABNA/SsN2-sEVcQk/s1600/DSC00404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sADPxwlJJ9k/TabxuYDIdaI/AAAAAAAABNA/SsN2-sEVcQk/s320/DSC00404.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-2586874165719469432010-02-14T20:04:00.005-05:002010-02-15T02:17:21.244-05:00Immigration Blog InterviewI invite you to read my <a href="http://www.correresmidestino.com/adam-and-eric-from-the-usa-to-toronto/">interview</a> at Zhu's blog, "<a href="http://correresmidestino.com/">Correr es mi Destino</a>." An endless amount of additional good reading is to be found there. Cheers, and Happy Valentine's Day!Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-84081789639616672632010-02-10T22:30:00.003-05:002010-02-10T23:02:48.148-05:00Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver, BC<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N8K1jqXqI/AAAAAAAABGw/xPbEyei-j30/s1600-h/Vancouver+171.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N8K1jqXqI/AAAAAAAABGw/xPbEyei-j30/s400/Vancouver+171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436825700783513250" border="0" /></a>Here are several random shots of our trek to North Vancouver to walk the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Capilano</span> suspension bridge.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N8KjqyjuI/AAAAAAAABGo/Zbjedyp9oXY/s1600-h/Vancouver+174.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N8KjqyjuI/AAAAAAAABGo/Zbjedyp9oXY/s400/Vancouver+174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436825695981571810" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N8KI0NJAI/AAAAAAAABGg/FgpKOIpiOrg/s1600-h/Vancouver+181.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N8KI0NJAI/AAAAAAAABGg/FgpKOIpiOrg/s400/Vancouver+181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436825688773305346" border="0" /></a>We had two wonderfully sunny days during our trip to Vancouver. The weather during our visit to North Van was a bit more typical - light rain.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N7W12uD3I/AAAAAAAABGY/SlyHwVeopVk/s1600-h/Vancouver+194.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N7W12uD3I/AAAAAAAABGY/SlyHwVeopVk/s400/Vancouver+194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436824807510249330" border="0" /></a>What a great picture of my Eric, eh?<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N7WmXpvhI/AAAAAAAABGQ/WYAFGe15gbQ/s1600-h/Vancouver+199.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N7WmXpvhI/AAAAAAAABGQ/WYAFGe15gbQ/s400/Vancouver+199.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436824803353411090" border="0" /></a> The very tourist-y park side of the suspension bridge has a tree top walk. If you are thinking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ewok</span> village on the forest moon of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Endor</span>-you get the idea. As always, click on this or any other picture for a larger more detailed view.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N7WGxUhhI/AAAAAAAABGI/G6RvBRz_qpw/s1600-h/Vancouver+206.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N7WGxUhhI/AAAAAAAABGI/G6RvBRz_qpw/s400/Vancouver+206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436824794871137810" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N7V2BcusI/AAAAAAAABGA/xT3xHiApzO4/s1600-h/Vancouver+210.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N7V2BcusI/AAAAAAAABGA/xT3xHiApzO4/s400/Vancouver+210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436824790375381698" border="0" /></a>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Capilano</span> suspension bridge experience is a complete tourist trap. It's very expensive but rather enjoyable. Free rain ponchos provided if desired. Please return when exiting the park. Thank you.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N7VX3Js8I/AAAAAAAABF4/Om0VI1N6RZQ/s1600-h/Vancouver+211.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S3N7VX3Js8I/AAAAAAAABF4/Om0VI1N6RZQ/s400/Vancouver+211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436824782279128002" border="0" /></a>Trees.<br /></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-60311952680398360232010-02-03T00:50:00.003-05:002010-02-03T01:14:42.217-05:00Coal Harbour, Vancouver, BC<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kThYxYhAI/AAAAAAAABFo/7XXC79zbecI/s1600-h/Vancouver+213.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kThYxYhAI/AAAAAAAABFo/7XXC79zbecI/s400/Vancouver+213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433895889705403394" border="0" /></a>Looking East-ish out over Coal Harbour from Stanley Park.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kQvpOo2TI/AAAAAAAABFg/TOK-daMTMy0/s1600-h/Vancouver+115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kQvpOo2TI/AAAAAAAABFg/TOK-daMTMy0/s400/Vancouver+115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433892836106361138" border="0" /></a>Vancouver is a highly walkable city. There is a public walk along the water around almost the entire downtown peninsula including Stanley Park.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kQKx25S-I/AAAAAAAABFY/_ObiUqCQcNM/s1600-h/Vancouver+116.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kQKx25S-I/AAAAAAAABFY/_ObiUqCQcNM/s400/Vancouver+116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433892202767535074" border="0" /></a>This view is looking West toward Coal Harbour and Stanley Park from Canada Place. Canada Place was closed-blocked off from the public because of the Olympic games.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kQKgJQvMI/AAAAAAAABFQ/qDOd3wcqzFU/s1600-h/Vancouver+117.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kQKgJQvMI/AAAAAAAABFQ/qDOd3wcqzFU/s400/Vancouver+117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433892198012730562" border="0" /></a>Moving west along the Burrard Inlet shore of the city toward Coal Harbour.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kQKK5oLnI/AAAAAAAABFI/HfiZYIYRBKY/s1600-h/Vancouver+119.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kQKK5oLnI/AAAAAAAABFI/HfiZYIYRBKY/s400/Vancouver+119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433892192310013554" border="0" /></a>Eric and the Marina at Coal Harbour.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kQJ3kLH8I/AAAAAAAABFA/x14Pu-JE_SI/s1600-h/Vancouver+123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kQJ3kLH8I/AAAAAAAABFA/x14Pu-JE_SI/s400/Vancouver+123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433892187119755202" border="0" /></a>One of the many water features outside the buildings in Vancouver.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kQJkvyPuI/AAAAAAAABE4/uR_py6qd8Cc/s1600-h/Vancouver+127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2kQJkvyPuI/AAAAAAAABE4/uR_py6qd8Cc/s400/Vancouver+127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433892182068182754" border="0" /></a>Nice place to live, eh?<br /></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-60506435448916860192010-01-31T20:07:00.003-05:002010-01-31T20:34:21.898-05:00Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2Yqzd1pWXI/AAAAAAAABEw/gfaVpoIRSnU/s1600-h/Vancouver+061.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2Yqzd1pWXI/AAAAAAAABEw/gfaVpoIRSnU/s400/Vancouver+061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433077064140413298" border="0" /></a>More pictures of my first morning in Vancouver, BC. My coffee in-hand, I strolled up the False Creek/English Bay Beach toward Stanley Park at approximately 7:30ish A.M. There's a public walk all the way around the downtown/Stanley Park/Coal Harbour Peninsula including a couple of beaches and a public pool.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2YqL563d3I/AAAAAAAABEo/uVcUP7ov0nY/s1600-h/Vancouver+067.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2YqL563d3I/AAAAAAAABEo/uVcUP7ov0nY/s400/Vancouver+067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433076384483735410" border="0" /></a>The infamous Seawall was built almost completely around the peninsula completely accessable to the public for walking, jogging, biking, blading, etc.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2YqLksFouI/AAAAAAAABEg/G2WjUgCagAo/s1600-h/Vancouver+068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2YqLksFouI/AAAAAAAABEg/G2WjUgCagAo/s400/Vancouver+068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433076378784604898" border="0" /></a>I had an absolutely amazing first morning. I began my walk along English Bay at, I believe, Thurlow St., and continued my journey to complete about a quarter of the Seawall along Stanley Park.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2YqLYiKEiI/AAAAAAAABEY/y_dZwilrbyg/s1600-h/Vancouver+069.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2YqLYiKEiI/AAAAAAAABEY/y_dZwilrbyg/s400/Vancouver+069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433076375521727010" border="0" /></a>I then cut up a flight of stone steps and cut diagonally back to the Lost Lagoon along two of the paths in the urban Forest known as Stanley Park. I couldn't get a decent picture, but just about at the spot of the picture above, there were two Bald Eagles in a dead tree above me.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2YqK6CITJI/AAAAAAAABEQ/WEt2CAnOi90/s1600-h/Vancouver+070.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2YqK6CITJI/AAAAAAAABEQ/WEt2CAnOi90/s400/Vancouver+070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433076367334329490" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2YqKjPxF8I/AAAAAAAABEI/2svgSyx0N70/s1600-h/Vancouver+071.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2YqKjPxF8I/AAAAAAAABEI/2svgSyx0N70/s400/Vancouver+071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433076361217513410" border="0" /></a>On the way to Lost Lagoon and then down Georgia St. back to the Fairmont to meet up with Eric-post his business meeting. We visited another part of Stanley Park together later in the week.<br /></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-35259635362696212922010-01-31T01:12:00.003-05:002010-01-31T01:34:23.331-05:00English Bay, Vancouver, BC<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2UhWDpqbvI/AAAAAAAABEA/2dwZxHsswSQ/s1600-h/Vancouver+047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2UhWDpqbvI/AAAAAAAABEA/2dwZxHsswSQ/s400/Vancouver+047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432785188313263858" border="0" /></a>7:30 A.M., English Bay, Vancouver, BC<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2UhV5y8lYI/AAAAAAAABD4/uO_7pGcMl84/s1600-h/Vancouver+050.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2UhV5y8lYI/AAAAAAAABD4/uO_7pGcMl84/s400/Vancouver+050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432785185667847554" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2UhVZz8HRI/AAAAAAAABDw/nr-KnxmHXD0/s1600-h/Vancouver+052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2UhVZz8HRI/AAAAAAAABDw/nr-KnxmHXD0/s400/Vancouver+052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432785177082076434" border="0" /></a>I exchanged perhaps thirty "Good Mornings" in absolutely no time. As a cynical New York born it became almost too much...the smile on my face, I mean. Those out and about (say it like a Canadian, you know you want to!) doing their morning exercise were exceptionally friendly. It was a great first morning in Vancouver!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2UgvDq14fI/AAAAAAAABDo/YorKJKSmxxk/s1600-h/Vancouver+056.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2UgvDq14fI/AAAAAAAABDo/YorKJKSmxxk/s400/Vancouver+056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432784518303310322" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2Ugu0OFjgI/AAAAAAAABDg/dXerV3Go4ac/s1600-h/Vancouver+058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2Ugu0OFjgI/AAAAAAAABDg/dXerV3Go4ac/s400/Vancouver+058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432784514156170754" border="0" /></a>Couldn't help but love the full grown tree planted atop this building. The architecture in Vancouver is extremely diverse.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2Uguq3YjcI/AAAAAAAABDY/-dKXMIxsmzU/s1600-h/Vancouver+130.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2Uguq3YjcI/AAAAAAAABDY/-dKXMIxsmzU/s400/Vancouver+130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432784511645027778" border="0" /></a>Architectural, artistic and natural beauty are everywhere!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2UguUkePFI/AAAAAAAABDQ/y5tAsNimFwI/s1600-h/Vancouver+131.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2UguUkePFI/AAAAAAAABDQ/y5tAsNimFwI/s400/Vancouver+131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432784505660128338" border="0" /></a>The edge of Stanley Park.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2UguD-tEZI/AAAAAAAABDI/2X_Ds-n90Wg/s1600-h/Vancouver+132.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2UguD-tEZI/AAAAAAAABDI/2X_Ds-n90Wg/s400/Vancouver+132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432784501206749586" border="0" /></a>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-9289112306473814122010-01-29T00:04:00.002-05:002010-01-29T00:08:51.351-05:00Vancouver, BC<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2JtBsRqDfI/AAAAAAAABDA/hs4OzOjw5ok/s1600-h/Vancouver+213.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S2JtBsRqDfI/AAAAAAAABDA/hs4OzOjw5ok/s400/Vancouver+213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432023976394755570" border="0" /></a>Coal Harbour and Downtown Vancouver<br /></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-90223485636822642662010-01-04T22:32:00.007-05:002010-01-04T22:48:59.646-05:00Vancouver Holiday!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S0K1LPRqjNI/AAAAAAAABC4/5X9gKL5oIGA/s1600-h/vancouver1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S0K1LPRqjNI/AAAAAAAABC4/5X9gKL5oIGA/s400/vancouver1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423096105991310546" border="0" /></a>Eric and I are off to Vancouver for a five day, mid-January holiday! Woo Hoo!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S0K1K_bD9ZI/AAAAAAAABCw/-p1tyzFUvus/s1600-h/vancouver2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 156px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/S0K1K_bD9ZI/AAAAAAAABCw/-p1tyzFUvus/s400/vancouver2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423096101735757202" border="0" /></a>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-78740521500743100972009-10-21T12:47:00.006-04:002009-10-21T22:02:02.294-04:00How Could I Not Post This?Philip, on Marriage Equality and what the U.S.A. stands for...<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GrEbJBFWIPk&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GrEbJBFWIPk&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Don't you just want to jump through the screen, shake his hand and thank him?<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/features/article_1508514.php/Local-Maine-hero-Greatest-Generation-Philip-Schooner-speaks-out-for-gay-marriage">HERE</a> for an Monsters and Critics article on Philip.Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-4547419618594371002009-10-11T00:54:00.003-04:002009-10-21T13:05:24.514-04:00Holiday Cheer!Something amusing I found on the Wiki regarding Santa Claus and the mail he receives via the Canadian Postal Service. Anyone else think it's awesome?<br /><span class="mw-headline" id="Santa_Claus"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Santa_Claus"></span><blockquote><span class="mw-headline" id="Santa_Claus">Santa Claus</span> <p>In 1974, staff at Canada Post's Montreal office were noticing a considerable amount of letters addressed to Santa Claus coming into the postal system, and those letters were being treated as undeliverable. Since those employees did not want the writers, mostly young children, to be disappointed at the lack of response, they started answering the letters themselves.<sup id="cite_ref-19" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_postal_code#cite_note-19"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> The amount of mail sent to Santa Claus increased every Christmas, up to the point that Canada Post decided to start an official Santa Claus letter-response program in 1983. Approximately one million letters come in to Santa Claus each Christmas, including from outside of Canada, and all of them are answered, in the same languages in which they are written.<sup id="cite_ref-20" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_postal_code#cite_note-20"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> Canada Post introduced a special address for mail to Santa Claus, complete with its own postal code:</p> <dl><dd><tt>SANTA CLAUS</tt></dd><dd><tt>NORTH POLE H0H 0H0</tt></dd><dd><tt>CANADA</tt></dd></dl> <p>In French, Santa's name translates as "Father Christmas", addressed as:</p> <dl><dd><tt>PÈRE NOËL</tt></dd><dd><tt>PÔLE NORD H0H 0H0</tt></dd><dd><tt>CANADA</tt></dd></dl> <p>H0H 0H0 was chosen for this special seasonal use as it reads as "Ho ho ho".<sup id="cite_ref-Santa_21-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_postal_code#cite_note-Santa-21"><span></span><span></span></a></sup></p> <p>As the H0- prefix would normally signify a rural area in Montreal, this portion of the postal code allocation is otherwise relatively empty. H0M, assigned to the Akwesane<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akwesasne" title="Akwesasne"><br /></a> Indian reserve, is the only other H0- postal code in active use.</p><blockquote></blockquote><p></p></blockquote><p></p> <span class="mw-headline" id="Santa_Claus"><blockquote></blockquote><br /></span>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-83853024353017279572009-09-10T23:54:00.004-04:002009-10-21T13:35:24.689-04:00DADTPosting YouTube videos isn't normally my thing. The piece below was particularly entertaining and thought provoking.<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/bvSxJy0sTqI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/bvSxJy0sTqI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-14695940747411179632009-09-10T23:23:00.007-04:002009-09-10T23:48:44.482-04:00Labour Day in Muskoka<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SqnEuzY_P8I/AAAAAAAABCI/b_tVsqBLp3E/s1600-h/adam_and_eric_labour_day09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SqnEuzY_P8I/AAAAAAAABCI/b_tVsqBLp3E/s400/adam_and_eric_labour_day09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380047538218811330" border="0" /></a>Howdy all, it's been a while. Perhaps I've had nothing to say. Perhaps I've been distracted. Labour day came and went. Eric and I spent the long weekend in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Muskoka</span> region of Ontario. Our friend Jeff hosted us and several others at his family's home on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Muskoka</span> River near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bracebridge</span>. 'Twas very relaxing-much like Redwood country north of San Francisco or the Sierras near Tahoe.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SqnDEnH98mI/AAAAAAAABBY/a8GocO8gMOA/s1600-h/photo%282%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SqnDEnH98mI/AAAAAAAABBY/a8GocO8gMOA/s400/photo%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380045713860063842" border="0" /></a>If the river looks crisp and refreshing to swim in-it was. Most of our time was spent on the dock and in the river...or sitting around the fire pit enjoying good conversation and the heat and light from the blaze.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SqnDEJwcKxI/AAAAAAAABBQ/Q7DeVshYAzY/s1600-h/photo%283%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SqnDEJwcKxI/AAAAAAAABBQ/Q7DeVshYAzY/s400/photo%283%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380045705976752914" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Muskoka</span> River, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bracebridge</span><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SqnDDlrqN_I/AAAAAAAABBI/-Wp7nNVKE7I/s1600-h/photo%284%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SqnDDlrqN_I/AAAAAAAABBI/-Wp7nNVKE7I/s400/photo%284%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380045696293025778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SqnDDTbgOEI/AAAAAAAABBA/3203l0D_l2A/s1600-h/photo%285%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SqnDDTbgOEI/AAAAAAAABBA/3203l0D_l2A/s400/photo%285%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380045691393423426" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SqnDCxEXx7I/AAAAAAAABA4/gtX3Jf3Q2xY/s1600-h/photo%286%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SqnDCxEXx7I/AAAAAAAABA4/gtX3Jf3Q2xY/s400/photo%286%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380045682169595826" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-46111081181683074682009-08-07T21:20:00.011-04:002009-08-07T22:43:20.323-04:00Toronto Islands-Post City Worker Strike<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Snzb-Z545uI/AAAAAAAAAuU/rm7kK4Qshgk/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Snzb-Z545uI/AAAAAAAAAuU/rm7kK4Qshgk/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367406721070851810" border="0" /></a><a style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Snzb-Z545uI/AAAAAAAAAuU/rm7kK4Qshgk/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+010.JPG"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Gratuitous Ferry-Leaving-Dock Shot</span><br />Now that the strike is over we can again hop onto the Island ferries and visit what one could describe as Toronto's Golden Gate or Central Park...the Toronto Islands. They are beautiful and, seemingly, no matter how large the hoards of people get that visit them, the islands are serene and relaxing. And we haven't been able to visit them for, I believe about forty days, because of the city worker union strike. Summer isn't all that long here in Ontario and I am certain many of us are glad to again have the ability to enjoy one of the city's most wonderful places while the warm seasonal temperatures remain. I know I am. Our plan, like many of the other folk-an afternoon picnic and pleasant several kilometer walk with friends. We all look a bit surly in the photos. Not quite sure how I managed to digitally capture such consistently negative facial expressions, but I was assured by one of the gang-the lad directly below-that we all did, indeed, have a good time.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzaaZhqaAI/AAAAAAAAAtk/rbK5I7IsJWs/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzaaZhqaAI/AAAAAAAAAtk/rbK5I7IsJWs/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367405002982320130" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">One might imagine that I suggested to all they look as unhappy as possible for the photos. Not the case...</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzaaE45pII/AAAAAAAAAtc/UYeSxJyv874/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzaaE45pII/AAAAAAAAAtc/UYeSxJyv874/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367404997442643074" border="0" /></a>...we're about to eat. We should be smiling, right?<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzaZs1ehWI/AAAAAAAAAtU/wd8K30EeO1A/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzaZs1ehWI/AAAAAAAAAtU/wd8K30EeO1A/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367404990985831778" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZ0bQU1TI/AAAAAAAAAtM/V4MBbPHIBQM/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZ0bQU1TI/AAAAAAAAAtM/V4MBbPHIBQM/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367404350611445042" border="0" /></a>I've been told it's all about the bird. It's there-click on the pic.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZz-vvpHI/AAAAAAAAAtE/2WL95cDd2Bc/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZz-vvpHI/AAAAAAAAAtE/2WL95cDd2Bc/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367404342958597234" border="0" /></a>Ah, the many ubiquitous angles from which one can photograph the city of Toronto.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZzgvHARI/AAAAAAAAAs8/sAnezkL6J9A/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZzgvHARI/AAAAAAAAAs8/sAnezkL6J9A/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367404334902870290" border="0" /></a>My promise to myself; take no pictures of Toronto next time. Here I was standing on the shore near the ferry dock on Ward's Island. I turned around and, in contrast to the city, there lie one of the very cozy, very "New England-esque," "Cottage Communities" of the T.O. islands.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZzAzCaRI/AAAAAAAAAs0/S7P0--9XS2Y/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZzAzCaRI/AAAAAAAAAs0/S7P0--9XS2Y/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367404326329411858" border="0" /></a>I had never been...so a couple of us took a stroll.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZy6r72ZI/AAAAAAAAAss/14hStq9VBhw/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZy6r72ZI/AAAAAAAAAss/14hStq9VBhw/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367404324689009042" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZGFPCNsI/AAAAAAAAAsk/UwhSaxPRsYM/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZGFPCNsI/AAAAAAAAAsk/UwhSaxPRsYM/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367403554426468034" border="0" /></a>Some "cottages" were shacks while others were grand homes. A bit too nestled together for my taste considering the hundreds of tourists walking amongst them on the concrete paths used for streets. Except for public services, no cars allowed on the islands. In my opinion, the least tranquil place on the islands.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZF7rcbDI/AAAAAAAAAsc/rFi02aDg-u0/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZF7rcbDI/AAAAAAAAAsc/rFi02aDg-u0/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367403551861271602" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZFbVp7NI/AAAAAAAAAsU/M2BPc41mepM/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZFbVp7NI/AAAAAAAAAsU/M2BPc41mepM/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367403543179947218" border="0" /></a>A bike-wheelchair kind-of-thing.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZFITA9nI/AAAAAAAAAsM/PF_a3uOZHDg/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZFITA9nI/AAAAAAAAAsM/PF_a3uOZHDg/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367403538068600434" border="0" /></a>A view from one of the cottages. And, below, a different kind of view of two of my buddies. They had a good time and are smiling-I assure you.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZE1zhBSI/AAAAAAAAAsE/VkUuvztVeic/s1600-h/Toronto+Islands+II+032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SnzZE1zhBSI/AAAAAAAAAsE/VkUuvztVeic/s400/Toronto+Islands+II+032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367403533104645410" border="0" /></a>One last note. I know that Blogger is "free," but photo uploading is the worst. Considering they use Picassa Web Albums or whateveritiscalled, shouldn't it be a bit more user friendly? I'm just sayin'.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-84069753587717423902009-07-23T21:17:00.015-04:002009-07-27T02:19:07.965-04:00U.S. Health Care ReformO.K. So there is quite the talk south of the Canadian border regarding Health Care Reform. Leaning toward Socialism like I do, I fully support the idealistic dream that would start with the creation of universal ~comprehensive~ health care with a single payer system. Many false apologies to those of you who believe that there is a place for the many private health insurers in the U.S. I do not. As long as there is a profit motive cost reduction will not occur. No citizen of the U.S. should be without health care. None. Not the poor, or the unemployed, or the families of the unemployed. No one. <div><br /></div><div>On the other side of the pond, England's NHS covers all residents and visitors also receive several (free) services. Why do I mention England? Simply because the U.S. GDP in 2008 was over 14 Trillion. The GDP of England? Not even two and a half Trillion (give or take a buck or pound). With a population of roughly 61 million, the NHS covers all its residents and provides several health care services to visitors (tourists) for free. Not so the U.S. system. No free coverage for visitors and upwards of 45 million of its own residents without coverage. Of the remainder, how many are <i>under</i>insured?<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now let's look across our northern border. Canada's population? Approximately 34 million. Canada's GDP? 1.5 trillion. The Provincial Health care plans that make up the Canadian system cover all citizens, permanent residents and temporary foreign workers (certain conditions apply). </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's compare the U.S. and Canada for a moment. 303 and 34 million people respectively with nominal GDPs at over 14 Trillion and approximately 1.5 Trillion (U.S bucks). And yet, all Canadians are covered AND health statistics and outcomes for Canadians as a population are better than those of the U.S. ...Oh, yeah, Canadians are paying per capita roughly half of what the U.S. is paying; $3173. vs. $6096. Eric and I can attest to the U.S. figure (your milage may vary). As part of a spread sheet comparison of health plans offered by his previous employer, we determined our yearly monetary health care spending. Premiums, deductibles, co-pays, costs for lab tests and prescriptions (did I leave anything out?) amounted to roughly the U.S. average. All rather baseline stuff. Nothing exceptional. I have had employer provided health care like most in the U.S. I have also been an independent contractor and had to provide and purchase my own individual health care policy. I have been lucky to be covered under my partner's employer provided health care plan. In the states I had to concern myself with pre-existing condition exclusions, health care coverage gaps, and each time I changed insurance providers I had to learn the new rules; what was covered, excluded, the limits, etc. I even had the indignity of having to pay taxes on my health care benefits as if they were income. For that, thank you to the U.S. Federal Government.</div><div><br /></div><div>Much of what is told the U.S. population about the Canadian system is myth. The debunking of such misinformation can be found in articles on my "links" resources page under health care. As with much of life, they are all a little bit true. And the deeper one investigates the more, dare I say it, understandable these myths become and the less frightening they are.</div><div><br /></div><div>I write this post in response to a current T.V. ad that is being aired in the U.S. One where a Canadian woman speaks rather poorly of her home country's health care system. She is pissing a lot of people off up here. For you see, Canadian medical tourism to the U.S. is one of those myths. Does it happen? Sure - which makes it a little bit true. But it is rare-which is one of the reasons she, the one in the T.V. ad, has no other Canadian company in her criticism. Out of 34 million people she is the exception, not the rule-and that is being generous. She was covered under the Canadian system and would have received treatment. No one - no doctor or bureaucrat denied her treatment because that never would have happened. The system here doesn't allow it. She *chose* not to wait and to pay out-of-pocket for treatment. There are quite a few folks up here asking for more details regarding her situation. People do, indeed, wait for treatment up here but only if the situation is not critical. Medical concerns requiring immediate attention are moved to the front of the queue. She may be one that fell through the cracks of an imperfect system. If that is the case I don't begrudge her opinion. If that is the case, should she be the example given of the Canadian health care system? I think not. The jury is still out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Watching the health care circus south of the border makes my head spin for several reasons. Firstly, that in the U.S. the population still sees the current health care system as superior despite the fact that the numbers and outcomes do not support that conclusion. That society and businesses will greatly benefit if a universal single payer system is adopted in the U.S. but that it will not happen because of one lone exception that is being paid to shout out on U.S. television. That health care bankruptcies will continue to occur, that people will continue to worry over health care and have to compare and forecast the cost and benefits of company health care plans hoping to make the correct decision. How many more insurance forms and questionnaires will have to be sweated over and completed...? </div><div><br /></div><div>Good questions all because, you see, I had to fill out no forms or compare plans living here in Canada. I have the same coverage as the CEO next door to me and the homeless person on the street corner. I have a private doctor and I pay less for my drug prescription (same name brand drug) than I would in the states without a drug plan (yes there are, and I have a, supplemental health plan(s) that include drugs). During the time I've lived here I have received more than adequate health care from both primary and a urgent care doctors and so have several of my Canadian and U.S. expat friends-among them situations including health maintenance, emergency care, cancer, and several on-going physical and mental treatments. I have confidence in the system here and I like that all I need do is hand my "Health" card over to be treated. I am not asked to fill out a form, I am not asked to update my insurance, I am not asked about payment. There are no deductibles or co-pays. No doctor will ever deny me treatment-and the provincial gov't assumes that if we decide I need a procedure it will be paid for. I could go on...</div><div><br /></div><div>Canadians like to bitch about it, but as mentioned in one of the articles on my "links" page, they wouldn't give it up for anything. And the rules here are the same for everyone. Health care details are the same for everyone-doctors, patients, institutions and governments. This makes it really easy to bitch about specific health care treatment and delivery problems with pin-point accuracy. Those concerns affect us all so everyone has an interest. And that interest becomes loudly apparent. For Canadians, the issue isn't health care coverage but how to maximize its delivery and control costs. How many different insurance companies, plans, rules are there to navigate and manage in the U.S.? And one can play the U.S. health care game by the rules and still be denied a pay out for a treatment. Health care insurers in the U.S. clearly have an incentive to find ways to limit how much they pay for treatment. Not so much in regard to protect their subscribers, but to maximize shareholder returns on investment.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Point is, Universal Single payer health care is not all that scary folks. The benefits definitely outweigh the risks. Once U.S. moxie is part of the Universal Single Payer Health Care formula, what is there to fear?</div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-30503114193278142632009-07-14T11:44:00.006-04:002009-07-14T17:54:37.619-04:00New Zoo Review - Toronto!<div style="text-align: center;">Sunday was our day to explore the Toronto Zoo. I am not the biggest fan of caging animals but an afternoon out in the sun touring a zoo's grounds and exhibits is rather pleasant. The T.O. zoo is huge and the grounds are very forest-like. We didn't stop to think that the Zoo on Sunday would be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">overwhelmingly</span> crowded. It was. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlyssSxCKjI/AAAAAAAAArA/Nei-eIKnMT4/s1600-h/IMG_1133.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlyssSxCKjI/AAAAAAAAArA/Nei-eIKnMT4/s400/IMG_1133.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358347533615770162" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our time on the service road traveling north to the parking lot was over an hour. Accessing the parking lot by traveling Southbound from the North would be our unanimous suggestion. The Northbound traffic from the South, the way we came, was jammed while in the opposite direction it was almost non-existent.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlysZ9QJZmI/AAAAAAAAAq4/7zBfw1pTbL0/s1600-h/IMG_1143.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlysZ9QJZmI/AAAAAAAAAq4/7zBfw1pTbL0/s400/IMG_1143.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358347218603042402" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our buddy, John.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlysYwdDjGI/AAAAAAAAAqw/sZoTKfD2KOU/s1600-h/IMG_1144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlysYwdDjGI/AAAAAAAAAqw/sZoTKfD2KOU/s400/IMG_1144.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358347197987654754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A candid shot of Eric.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlysYWF0ijI/AAAAAAAAAqo/sQAaIio-xTw/s1600-h/IMG_1146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlysYWF0ijI/AAAAAAAAAqo/sQAaIio-xTw/s400/IMG_1146.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358347190910880306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Walking under the waterfall.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlysYCO9AJI/AAAAAAAAAqg/YvVgh83tNMA/s1600-h/IMG_1147.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlysYCO9AJI/AAAAAAAAAqg/YvVgh83tNMA/s400/IMG_1147.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358347185580474514" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">...which makes an obvious back drop and photo opp.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlysXl84MwI/AAAAAAAAAqY/1u3xuUDtR_I/s1600-h/IMG_1149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlysXl84MwI/AAAAAAAAAqY/1u3xuUDtR_I/s400/IMG_1149.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358347177988469506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Slyq_BWUcnI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/JFJDIjsU0k8/s1600-h/IMG_1150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Slyq_BWUcnI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/JFJDIjsU0k8/s400/IMG_1150.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358345656334578290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Slyq-qR119I/AAAAAAAAAqI/b3TiVN7BkTM/s1600-h/IMG_1153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Slyq-qR119I/AAAAAAAAAqI/b3TiVN7BkTM/s400/IMG_1153.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358345650141779922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sleepy kitty.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Slyq-V8uKzI/AAAAAAAAAqA/7gqNMsuDyl0/s1600-h/IMG_1161.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Slyq-V8uKzI/AAAAAAAAAqA/7gqNMsuDyl0/s400/IMG_1161.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358345644684487474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Slyq-Ldc5cI/AAAAAAAAAp4/toidkWZ1YEg/s1600-h/IMG_1165.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Slyq-Ldc5cI/AAAAAAAAAp4/toidkWZ1YEg/s400/IMG_1165.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358345641868977602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Slyq9lt-V_I/AAAAAAAAApw/PpUNj_n38TY/s1600-h/IMG_1168.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Slyq9lt-V_I/AAAAAAAAApw/PpUNj_n38TY/s400/IMG_1168.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358345631737731058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlypYzAq_kI/AAAAAAAAApo/xmQKA71qeIc/s1600-h/IMG_1175.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlypYzAq_kI/AAAAAAAAApo/xmQKA71qeIc/s400/IMG_1175.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358343900139028034" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Feeding the Hippo.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlypYb13TKI/AAAAAAAAApg/3dZiiG0GepU/s1600-h/IMG_1183.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlypYb13TKI/AAAAAAAAApg/3dZiiG0GepU/s400/IMG_1183.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358343893919681698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sleepy kitty #2.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlypYIgZJFI/AAAAAAAAApY/HJaz9DHkJx0/s1600-h/IMG_1185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlypYIgZJFI/AAAAAAAAApY/HJaz9DHkJx0/s400/IMG_1185.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358343888729351250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlypXq4f6pI/AAAAAAAAApQ/h6TUoYdiTS4/s1600-h/IMG_1187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlypXq4f6pI/AAAAAAAAApQ/h6TUoYdiTS4/s400/IMG_1187.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358343880777394834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlypXSnDEKI/AAAAAAAAApI/I-GuKP7VafI/s1600-h/IMG_1196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SlypXSnDEKI/AAAAAAAAApI/I-GuKP7VafI/s400/IMG_1196.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358343874261749922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It was a nice relaxing afternoon followed later by pizza delivery and board game playing at John's place. ...I won. :-)</div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-91285162788233462192009-06-30T22:09:00.007-04:002009-06-30T23:18:09.648-04:00Candian Health Care SystemHere is a re-posting of <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_12523427">an informative opinion piece</a> written by a Canadian living in the U.S.A. who is familiar with both countries health care systems. Thanks to L-girl for recently posting this interesting and educational article on her blog, "We Move to Canada." I thought it an excellent addition to the three articles by Sara Robinson that I have listed on my "Websites/Links" post-the link to which you can find on the right side bar under, "<a href="http://canadianboomdiada.blogspot.com/2008/05/immigration-resourceslinksweb-sites.html">Immigration</a>." One can find them on that page under, " Canadian Health Care."<br /><br />While the article is written without depth, it is no simpler than the black and white fear based lies that are constantly reported to the U.S. population. It does, however, contain an honest picture of the health care system north of the border. Taken as a whole, the information in all four health care articles listed on my resource page ring true based on my current experience with the Canadian system.<br /><br />One aspect which I have not yet seen compared is the relaxed ease of use the Canadian population, at least here in Toronto, experience when accessing medical treatment. Patients do not concern themselves with payment and front-line medical workers are overwhelmingly pleasant and friendly. Follow-up calls are not rushed or frustrating and the staff on the other end of the phone are genuinely helpful. These are the interactions my partner and I have had.<br /><br />Neither system is perfect, but the "facts" regarding Canadian health care being reported to the U.S. population are, for the most part and at best, stilted and misleading. While the Obama administration is attempting to overhaul and improve the U.S. system, (it) they are doing so without solid conviction, allowing the spread of fear that is based on a significant amount of nonsense.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_12523427"></a><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_12523427">Debunking Canadian Health Care Myths</a> -DenverPost.comAdamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-89402776887794014362009-06-15T22:16:00.010-04:002009-06-17T11:33:50.648-04:00Toronto Islands<div style="text-align: center;">Eric, our friend Dan and I took one of the harbour ferries to the Toronto Islands on Sunday. We weren't expecting to be so impressed with the experience. The park and the islands were incredibly green and clean. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As always, click on a pic for a larger more detailed viewing.</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcDsUmJOrI/AAAAAAAAAo4/N8vWpvbtXZY/s1600-h/IMG_1107.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcDsUmJOrI/AAAAAAAAAo4/N8vWpvbtXZY/s400/IMG_1107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347747142503578290" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">There are several different beaches-all a bit different from one another. While there seemed to be an overwhelming number of people spending their day on the islands-just like us, the overall atmosphere was pleasant and serene. The park was very clean with one exception-the beach. We stopped and sat for a long moment on Hanlan's Point Beach-which is officially clothing optional. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcDrzK23HI/AAAAAAAAAow/CtgvajzVWqk/s1600-h/IMG_1109.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcDrzK23HI/AAAAAAAAAow/CtgvajzVWqk/s400/IMG_1109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347747133530758258" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Gibralter Beach.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, the sand at Hanlan's Beach was the dirtiest part of the park. I am not a fan of smoking, and, unfortunately there were cigarette butts and the like in the sand. Disgraceful. Butts should be viewed as littering as anything else. And fines handed out. The beach was still quite lovely, despite the nasty smokers and their discarded garbage. No pictures of Hanlan's because almost all around me were nude. Above is Gibralter Beach.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcDrtgzyZI/AAAAAAAAAoo/UjT-fpNGZ0M/s1600-h/IMG_1112.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcDrtgzyZI/AAAAAAAAAoo/UjT-fpNGZ0M/s400/IMG_1112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347747132012218770" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Near Centennial Pier</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcDrPVUkyI/AAAAAAAAAog/3jMPImWQQo0/s1600-h/IMG_1115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcDrPVUkyI/AAAAAAAAAog/3jMPImWQQo0/s400/IMG_1115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347747123910972194" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Central Plaza (not sure what it's really called)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcC6NmqCQI/AAAAAAAAAoY/c119AMrMBTU/s1600-h/IMG_1117.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcC6NmqCQI/AAAAAAAAAoY/c119AMrMBTU/s400/IMG_1117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347746281633220866" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Central Plaza again.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcC558ta6I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/vd3EBV5V6yE/s1600-h/IMG_1121.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcC558ta6I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/vd3EBV5V6yE/s400/IMG_1121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347746276357008290" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Near ferry terminal on Centre Island.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcC5K2G4yI/AAAAAAAAAoI/rFOMMMob1O8/s1600-h/IMG_1124.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcC5K2G4yI/AAAAAAAAAoI/rFOMMMob1O8/s400/IMG_1124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347746263712850722" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Walking bridge from Centre to Olympic Island.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcC4tyQViI/AAAAAAAAAoA/gq1NCj9e7Xw/s1600-h/IMG_1129.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcC4tyQViI/AAAAAAAAAoA/gq1NCj9e7Xw/s400/IMG_1129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347746255912064546" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Views of T.O. from Olympic Island.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcC4Ye9ySI/AAAAAAAAAn4/2MGSXnWz6nM/s1600-h/IMG_1128.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SjcC4Ye9ySI/AAAAAAAAAn4/2MGSXnWz6nM/s400/IMG_1128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347746250194012450" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We left the Islands incredibly impressed with Toronto. The Islands are an amazing resource. A treasure of a destination-an easy place to spend the day. There seemed to be a nook or cranny, a comfortable spot for everyone-serene and pleasant. Historically and recently there has been talk of building a bridge or tunnel from mainland T.O. to the Islands. Big mistake. I hope they never do it. Keep them just out of reach. Make the park just that more special by having to take a "ride" to get there. I look forward to returning in the near future.</div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-57090374939412418222009-05-19T11:58:00.010-04:002009-05-19T16:00:08.691-04:00Victoria Day Weekend Hike<div style="text-align: center;">Canadian immersion 101. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Day">Victoria Day</a>. What's that? A day to celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday and a three day weekend in Canada to unofficially mark the beginning of Summer. Eric and I decided to explore <a href="http://www.friendsofthespit.ca/">Tommy Thompson Park, a.k.a. the Leslie Street Spit</a>, located in the city of Toronto.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/ShLcZCZ0C5I/AAAAAAAAAno/uF1npzveQJk/s1600-h/TThompson3-2005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/ShLcZCZ0C5I/AAAAAAAAAno/uF1npzveQJk/s400/TThompson3-2005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337570831087438738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">The Leslie Street Spit</span>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's an iconic Canadian moment, smack dab in the biggest city in Canada. Eric and I are fairly used to seeing the lowest portion of trees protected from beavers with a wrapping of metal mesh. This was, I believe my first beaver lodge. I admit to not expecting to see one within city limits. Silly me, eh? <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/ShLcYxBh_KI/AAAAAAAAAng/tttIwR4XgiU/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/ShLcYxBh_KI/AAAAAAAAAng/tttIwR4XgiU/s400/photo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337570826422189218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">There is the tiniest, pathetic utilitarian type light house at the end of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">peninsula</span>. I am sure it does the job. But it is clearly unloved. A sad sight for someone who lived in New England like myself, and has witnessed firsthand the adoration and worship of the lighthouses in that region.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/ShLcY4Ll47I/AAAAAAAAAnY/z24oz4PbQxQ/s1600-h/Material_Nature_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 168px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/ShLcY4Ll47I/AAAAAAAAAnY/z24oz4PbQxQ/s400/Material_Nature_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337570828343436210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Spit is on the right in this picture. Eric and I hiked to the lighthouse and back. We haven't yet been to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Islands">Toronto Islands</a> which can be seen on the lower left in this image. </div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-28938306586934433332009-04-21T11:50:00.007-04:002009-04-24T10:33:41.957-04:00U.S. Expat Registration<div><a href="http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html">Registering with the local U.S. consulate</a> is a task every expatriate should do. I have been thinking and forgetting to do so for months now. It came to mind last night and I made a point to pull up the U.S. State Dept. website and complete their information request on behalf of myself and my partner, Eric. Visit the website if you haven't. There are several legitimate reasons to shout out to your government where beyond the U.S. border you are traveling or residing and for what duration.</div><div><br /></div><div>All of this had me thinking about the protections granted the citizens of Rome when traveling. Apparently one needed only to announce that they were a Roman citizen when traveling to guarantee their own safety. No one dare cause a citizen of the Empire (Republic?) harm least a legion of Roman soldiers arrive to raze the hamlet or teach proper respect to the offending kingdom. Or so the story goes.</div><div><br /></div><div>While not expecting an army sent to defend me or inflict punitive damages on those who dare to offend, the consulate is indeed there to help with unexpected and possibly serious concerns. They have even listed on the website the most commonly presented expat life challenges recognized as their usual day at the office.</div><div><br /></div><div>So if you are an expat and haven't yet introduced yourself to your local consulate, consider doing so. Once you have completed the original series of information requests, there will be a box at the bottom which reads "add a foreign address" or something like that. If you are living outside the U.S. this would be the place to state where and for how long. One person can do this for all fellow travelers and/or relatives residing with them. Detailed passport information will be required.</div><div><br /></div><div>Relationship status information is done by way of pull-down boxes. They need to be updated as four states now allow same-gender marriage. While the U.S. federal government may not, as yet, recognize such marriages, I invite anyone concerned, straight or gay, to use the "comment" sections provided to question the state department's lack of comprehensive relationship categories. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html">http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html</a><div><br /></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-23709741904751036142009-04-19T23:09:00.008-04:002009-04-27T12:57:14.079-04:00Saturday at Niagara Falls<div style="text-align: center;"> A wonderful Saturday at Niagara Falls, Ontario with our friends, Tom and Emilio. Like a dolt, I, having had thought of our camera the entire morning before our drive south to the falls, completely forgot to bring it. Thanks to Tom and Emilio for allowing me to publish the photos they shot with us. I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on the experience, be it vicarious or not. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevpHJs7_TI/AAAAAAAAAm4/a2DrsXcsO5w/s1600-h/DSC01778.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevpHJs7_TI/AAAAAAAAAm4/a2DrsXcsO5w/s400/DSC01778.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326607293368499506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We all had a great time. It was the first time to the falls for Eric and myself. Shocking, I know. I have to say I had built it up in my head. I was expecting so much more. The falls were impressive. So much water...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevpHJQyI2I/AAAAAAAAAmw/uDb-7AhzYkg/s1600-h/DSC01773.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevpHJQyI2I/AAAAAAAAAmw/uDb-7AhzYkg/s400/DSC01773.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326607293250413410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">...but the atmosphere was very, very cheesy. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cheez</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mosai</span>, actually - as my friend, Roger would say. I felt like I was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Las</span> Vegas again. And I thought there would be more to it than an afternoon. Alas, there was not. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Sevojd8zMcI/AAAAAAAAAmo/Nu6IxKasuk0/s1600-h/DSC01807.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/Sevojd8zMcI/AAAAAAAAAmo/Nu6IxKasuk0/s400/DSC01807.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326606680328450498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">So glad we went. We had a wonderful afternoon with our friends, Emilio and Tom.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevoF-_1iuI/AAAAAAAAAmg/3tbw_KBpF20/s1600-h/DSC01802.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevoF-_1iuI/AAAAAAAAAmg/3tbw_KBpF20/s400/DSC01802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326606173803481826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We all shared an incredibly expensive lunch, a great walk and view of the falls from several vantage points...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevoF6zPKXI/AAAAAAAAAmY/SFq2e2D2CWs/s1600-h/DSC01800.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevoF6zPKXI/AAAAAAAAAmY/SFq2e2D2CWs/s400/DSC01800.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326606172676893042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">...a great cup of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">gelato</span> at a local shop, and, of course, many laughs.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevoFqq-nwI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/bcMlo3hY2P0/s1600-h/DSC01793.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevoFqq-nwI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/bcMlo3hY2P0/s400/DSC01793.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326606168347287298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Obviously a good afternoon, eh?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevoFo7zH_I/AAAAAAAAAmI/4bT-SySIGV0/s1600-h/DSC01789.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevoFo7zH_I/AAAAAAAAAmI/4bT-SySIGV0/s400/DSC01789.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326606167880966130" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It is difficult to believe that there is quite a bit more water they could allow to fall. So much of it is diverted away from the falls to create electricity at the hydro plant.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevoFBNsI2I/AAAAAAAAAmA/2RxstGOr_kE/s1600-h/DSC01779.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SevoFBNsI2I/AAAAAAAAAmA/2RxstGOr_kE/s400/DSC01779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326606157218587490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Imagine if it was ALL <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">allowed</span> to rush over the falls as in times past? </div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-30809267700040358492009-04-17T22:11:00.005-04:002009-04-19T13:40:52.324-04:00No Meat - Two Month UpdateGive or take a day or two, it is two months since I officially and notoriously stopped eating meat. I had two "setbacks" during the first couple of weeks where I ate fish at home that I had already purchased and didn't want to waste. There was another moment involving fish at a dining experience at the restaurant Scaramouche here in Toronto. One of Eric's co-workers treated us to a meal there. We had checked the on-line sample menu and had been satisfied there would be one or two vegetarian options to choose from. There either wasn't one available that night or it wasn't appetizing. I can't even remember. Either way we weren't going to make a fuss and insult our host. We both chose fish dishes. Other than these exceptions I haven't eaten any flesh in two months.<div><br /></div><div>Cooking has been a challenge. There is a learning curve. Thankfully my knowledge on the subject was not zero. I didn't begin this endeavour clueless. In High School I devoured (no pun intended) a book entitled, "Diet for a Small Planet" by Francis Moore Lappé which my mother had bought, read and placed on one of our bookshelves. I even bought and read it again later in my life. I currently don't have a copy but for anyone interested, it's a very comprehensively written book on vegetarian living in regard to health, environment and animal cruelty. Since that time I've read several other books, done a bit of research on my own and spent a significant amount of time over the years eating (and watching them cook) with several vegetarians friends. However helpful all that prior exposure has been, actually cooking vegetarian for oneself (and one's partner) regularly, on a daily basis is another matter completely. I don't know where I am on that learning curve, but my confidence level is high. </div><div><br /></div><div>How am I doing? Who knows. I feel great. Before my dietary change I had to remind myself to eat. Really. I knew I had to eat because I would get quiet or cranky, usually at two or three in the afternoon. I am much more enthusiastic about food now. And I look at food differently. I am constantly considering what nutrition a food item will add to a meal I am preparing. And I eat until I am full. Many small meals. Whenever. And I am very slowly losing a bit of weight. I had weird hunger pangs a couple of times the first month that I attribute to adjusting to a much lighter diet. They screamed, "EAT" and I felt them throughout my entire body. At the time I was eating a lot, too. I don't seem so ravenous any longer. My digestion seems to be normal again. Before I deleted meat from my diet I used to have "low blood sugar" moments on a daily basis. I still have similar moments but not as often and the lack of focus that typically accompanied them is gone. My partner no longer has to take my hand and lead me to food. Or remind me to eat. Oh, and I smell different. Sweeter perhaps. And I am more "regular" and the consistency has changed for the better. I have to laugh because I know you probably didn't need to read that. Consider it the drama of the changes I've noticed. Ha. I am also lifting weights regularly and doing a bit of cardio. My weight is slowly going down and my fat as percentage of body weight is also lowering slightly. More work needed to be done there but it's a start.</div><div><br /></div><div>I truly believe that vegetarian eating could be unhealthy. Thought has to be used to avoid certain pitfalls. Processed food is one, reliance on dairy is another. I am very careful not to load up on dairy, especially cheese. As mentioned in a previous post, I am not a milk drinker. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Yuck</span>. I do like yogurt but don't go near the industrial kind found in most grocery stores. There is a wonderful Greek yogurt my sister-in-law introduced me to that is very good and well made but (un)fortunately for me one can not purchase it (yet?) in Canada. I am trying very hard to choose foods low in simple sugars. I am very conscious about how much extra fat such as oil and butter I add to meals during preparation. When "necessary" I use Canola or Extra virgin, cold pressed, organic, unfiltered olive oil. I think I've used four tablespoons of butter in two months. Current dietary wisdom is stating that protein combining isn't necessary, but I still try to cook a bean and grain together when possible. And/or a pulse such as lentils. I am very aware of the colors of my vegetables and try to eat a variety every day (vegetables and colors). There are other guidelines but you get the idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>I used to whine when my partner mentioned food shopping. I hated it. I love going now because I am excited about the food. Needless to say I don't shop very often at the local supermarket. It's all about organic, real, and (whenever available) locally produced food. Toronto has at least one food co-op, the Big Carrot, which is located on Danforth Ave. We also have a Whole Foods Market. Neither in my neighborhood, unfortunately. As an aside, I decided one of my life goals is to one day be able to shop in WFM without being concerned about offensively high prices. Great products but they don't call it "whole paycheck" for nothing. Ours is located in Bloor-Yorkville, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">go figure. </span>I still find I can selectively shop there without emptying my wallet. Toronto also has a chain store called Noah's in various locations. I am not sure if I am more offended by the prices at Noahs or the patrons who actually pay them. The one in my neighborhood has lousy produce and is small. And expensive. There should be no doubts - I reject Noahs. My excursions for food are fun because I am much more aware of what is available now. And I make it a point to regularly learn to cook something I don't normally. An example would be beets. Not difficult. So I am trying and adding new foods to our diet.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I think this needs to be stated. Designing, preparing and cooking is not difficult or time intensive with a bit of thought beforehand. I think most people would be amazed. The internet is of great help when deciding what to make and how. Recipes are ubiquitous and, for the most part, free. If you are interested, check out Vegetarian Times, Epicurious, Food Network, and Cooking light, among others. Choose a food stuff you want to eat or learn to cook and do a search on one of these sites until you find an agreeable recipe. And then cook...or go to the market and cook it the next day. You will be amazed at the awesome meals you can create.</div><div><br /></div><div>One downside is eating out. It's not as difficult as some make it seem but it also takes some thought beforehand. Locally, here in Toronto, I am slowly learning where to go or, at least, what to look for. Even in Las Vegas, where Eric and I just stayed for seven days, we were able to find very satisfying eateries amongst all the fast food and burger joints. Most of the higher end cafes and casino restaurants have vegetarian options, it's just that one doesn't necessarily want to spend that type of money for every meal. We found a couple of buffets that were absolutely loaded with vegetarian food. The only real concern would be that the food was higher in fat content than that I would have made at home. But doesn't everyone have this problem on a vacation? Don't we all come home a bit heavier after a holiday? If I ever go Vegan I don't know what I'll do for food outside the home...but I have no serious concerns currently.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what food choices are we making? And why? Who taught us to eat the way we do (or did) and how did they come to eat that way? Who makes these decisions? You? Your parents? The food companies? Lobbyists? What factors went into your food decision(s)? Or has there really been any thought at all outside of what taste good? Hmmmm. I am learning (more) about food. I am learning more about the consequences of my food decisions on me, animals and the environment. I am not being forced. I do not feel deprived. I am eating a more varied diet than I had been. My diet and my exercise routine are reinforcing each other in a positive way. And I feel good. I can't say I miss eating meat. I don't. But Eric and I did order pizza last week and admit I was craving pepperoni...greasy and crispy on the edges from being cooked (come on, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">you know</span>)...the moment passed and was (almost) forgotten. The Vegetarian pizza we ate was delicious.</div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949171062079877424.post-70446918007531178102009-04-15T14:52:00.008-04:002009-04-15T16:07:27.754-04:00More Red Rock Canyon<div style="text-align: center;">Here are some more pictures of Red Rock Canyon. The details and scale are much more impressive when viewed on larger size pictures so choose the one you like and make a worthy click on it. Unfortunately Eric was still hard at work at his conference when I took my excursion and did not accompany me. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYucPpKaWI/AAAAAAAAAl4/rLQEqBuKF9U/s1600-h/032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYucPpKaWI/AAAAAAAAAl4/rLQEqBuKF9U/s400/032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324994672182585698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYub2iRjTI/AAAAAAAAAlw/UGAdm4AMsNE/s1600-h/030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYub2iRjTI/AAAAAAAAAlw/UGAdm4AMsNE/s400/030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324994665442807090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYubpZ_miI/AAAAAAAAAlo/pADbeEeypgc/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYubpZ_miI/AAAAAAAAAlo/pADbeEeypgc/s400/027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324994661918415394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYubeNKAVI/AAAAAAAAAlg/sIcAiPaIljg/s1600-h/023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYubeNKAVI/AAAAAAAAAlg/sIcAiPaIljg/s400/023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324994658911781202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYtzPP7VJI/AAAAAAAAAlY/q3WZChc52mQ/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYtzPP7VJI/AAAAAAAAAlY/q3WZChc52mQ/s400/021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324993967702103186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYtyxHaW5I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/-1e14Yp6ayI/s1600-h/020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYtyxHaW5I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/-1e14Yp6ayI/s400/020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324993959613324178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Boomdiada!</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYtyiGbmUI/AAAAAAAAAlI/xR6kKf2zTg0/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYtyiGbmUI/AAAAAAAAAlI/xR6kKf2zTg0/s400/016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324993955582679362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In these shots, just above and below, the Gorn was waiting to get me around one of the rocks. Clearly I was too quick for him and lived to see another day. Too busy surviving, I forgot to take his picture. Many apologies. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYtybMBoyI/AAAAAAAAAlA/y17laL2eZ0U/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYtybMBoyI/AAAAAAAAAlA/y17laL2eZ0U/s400/013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324993953727095586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYtyA1Fd5I/AAAAAAAAAk4/PN-gGhnG3lQ/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_roU2LrIXh5M/SeYtyA1Fd5I/AAAAAAAAAk4/PN-gGhnG3lQ/s400/011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324993946651555730" /></a>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09249431596036880716noreply@blogger.com1