I just watched an interview on CBC Newsworld with MP Compton-Stanstead, Minister of International Affairs and La Francophonie, Marie Claude Bibeau. In attempting to deflect the negativity, the Liberals are dodging and weaving various and glaringly obvious accusations leading to the Liberals' approval on a negative slide, while exploiting the easy media targets of Trump's recent actions, MP Bibeau was rolled out to answer questions from Carole MacNeil about Canada's stance on international abortion and the recent funding announcement.
In a shocking display of necessary clarifications by Carole, MP Bibeau continued answering in head spinning responses resulting in a disastrous interview and leaving impressions for the viewers of utter incompetence as an elected MP in our democratic Canadian government.
In giving the benefit of the doubt, perhaps her language skills were not up to par that early Sunday morning. However, Canadians deserve better than this.
As written previously, governing by "undoing" and out of spite what the previous government has accomplished or simply taking the opposite stance of whatever comes out of Trump's mouth are not the leadership actions of an elected government that was voted in for "real change".
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Sunday, January 22, 2017
YYC (Calgary International Airport): Other Airports Take Note
On my way from foggy Toronto to Kelowna, I stopped in a similar foggy Calgary to connect. We arrived nearly a half hour early, begging the question do pilots know short cuts? As with any set of new surroundings, I explore.
Upon my first steps away from the gate and through terminal C, the first professional sports team memorabilia I see was the green Saskatchewan Roughhriders.
My first surprise was coming across the elaborate shuttle service connecting terminals A through to the newer US and international D and E. Essentially large, white, electric go karts carrying approximately eight people, the shuttles are piloted by friendly, red jacketed drivers that welcome you like a hop-on hop-off bus tour complete with microphone head set. Like a kid first discovering what model trains are about, I had to take a ride.
As it weaved its way along the windy route (I couldnt help but think about driving along it in a real go kart), during this short commute I heard an announcement for two late passengers for the Saskatoon flight that reminded them (and the entire airport) in a firm, prairie friendly tone yet not so politically sugarcoated choice of words as you would find in the the larger airports that 'the entire flight had boarded....and was waiting for you". I would not want to be those two passengers to board that plane load of grumpy Riderville passengers.
Although construction is ongoing, YYC is a comfortable, stress free, modern airport that once completed will be a joy to pass through, depart or arrive.
The Day After (Inauguration)...
Saturday morning and as I awoke, simultaneously turning off my phone alarm while opening the online versions of Canada's national newspapers (a special skill I have), I noticed on the Financial Post of the default 20 headlines, 16 were Trump related.
Of the remaining 25% of articles, one was a headline, "Oh no… It really looks like Justin Trudeau truly, deeply believes all those silly Liberal myths"
Despite the Liberals election platform, "real change" is happening south of our border, rightly or wrongly. Economically, I think the public jury is siding with a US economy on steroids.
Back in the land of "real change" (more taxes, more middle of the road policies, more closing of investment vehicles to help Canadians get ahead, more protection for terrorists, more undoing of prior government initiatives....just because they were the previous government), here is hoping the latest cabinet shuffle (plus some other heavy weight leaders in their fields in the background) are willingly assembled and called to action well ahead of that first clash with the new Trump Administration's almost Marvel Comics-like team of powerful individuals.
Oh! And look the fraudulent Canadian Maryam Monsef is still a Canadian and has been quietly been demoted in the latest shuffle ahead of the upcoming Trump Administration...and no Canadians are talking about it.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Open Mic Community in Toronto: Must Get Out There!
As part of my 2017 resolutions (after many years of "attempting") I am going to "break" into the open mic scene and have been researching some of the events around town.
Due to its size, Toronto is a hub of musical activity with different sized venues (intimate to Air Canada Centre), all types of music represented, many bands calling Toronto as a base, recording facilities, etc. On the amateur and working professional side are communities of individuals who enjoy grabbing the stage with just a voice and a guitar and sharing their more personal original material or belting out some well known, sing along cover tunes.
I was surprised by the commitment of the hosts, in some cases being there weekly for years, and the availability of a house guitar, rather than bringing your own (in minus 20....that's a huge bonus!).
The first week in January as I began to compile the various events of each week night and attend them, was very quiet - not only due to the weather, I'm sure, but who (or who's liver) wants to go to a bar on a "school night" and start drinking after a wild New Year's Eve. Anyway, by week two, everything had picked up.
ALWAYS CALL ahead, as many of the online open mic websites, although appearing quite recent and updated, are not (Fox and Firkin Danforth - of which, one website advertised a free recording off the board of your performance)
Dora Keogh - Monday nights affair with two talented hosts who warm up the small crowd of mainly performers. The night I attended, most seemed to have some past recording or performing experience (they were really good!). A narrow bar in the Danforth/Broadview area, the venue has a great sized stage in the back corner, with most of the entire bar's light focused on....you guessed it, the stage. The Guinness seemed to be the popular choice among many of the performers and onlookers at this Irish pub, where the bartenders were from....Ireland.
Amsterdam Bicycle Club - Better known as the closed off section of the Esplanade location of the Old Spaghetti Factory. Close to Union if you have to travel with your guitar. The event was advertised at 9PM signup (930PM start), did not really commence until closer to 10pm. The Amsterdam is a cozy, smaller, darker venue with a welcoming, larger stage and good stage lighting. Some of the regulars will hop on the drums, bass, bongos to help accompany you.
The Old Nick - Essentially performers are playing in the front window along Danforth, so you will have onlookers...at your back. In the summer the windows can open, so you will be playing for the masses that stroll by as well as in the bar. A friendly host, Kyle, has been hosting for two years now (and is a drummer primarily, but you would not believe it based on his guitar playing and singing!).
The Cavern - Honestly, I have yet to attend. It sounds like an interesting venue, for the fact if you a performer is downtown working late during the week, you could pop in and sing a couple of numbers from the repertoire. More to report on that one later.
The Grover - Strangely held on Friday nights (versus during earlier in the week where the nights are quieter). As such, you are going to have an audience here. Lacking a stage, there is an area by the main window that is set up with microphone, amplifier, chair, house guitar and a PA. The host was almost too good as an opening act, with a great smooth voice that should have been on American or Canadian Idol. The food choices looked good and would be happy to eat there in the near future.
This is not an exhaustive list, and I will be adding more as they come across my radar and have checked them out. Happy playing!
Due to its size, Toronto is a hub of musical activity with different sized venues (intimate to Air Canada Centre), all types of music represented, many bands calling Toronto as a base, recording facilities, etc. On the amateur and working professional side are communities of individuals who enjoy grabbing the stage with just a voice and a guitar and sharing their more personal original material or belting out some well known, sing along cover tunes.
I was surprised by the commitment of the hosts, in some cases being there weekly for years, and the availability of a house guitar, rather than bringing your own (in minus 20....that's a huge bonus!).
The first week in January as I began to compile the various events of each week night and attend them, was very quiet - not only due to the weather, I'm sure, but who (or who's liver) wants to go to a bar on a "school night" and start drinking after a wild New Year's Eve. Anyway, by week two, everything had picked up.
ALWAYS CALL ahead, as many of the online open mic websites, although appearing quite recent and updated, are not (Fox and Firkin Danforth - of which, one website advertised a free recording off the board of your performance)
Dora Keogh - Monday nights affair with two talented hosts who warm up the small crowd of mainly performers. The night I attended, most seemed to have some past recording or performing experience (they were really good!). A narrow bar in the Danforth/Broadview area, the venue has a great sized stage in the back corner, with most of the entire bar's light focused on....you guessed it, the stage. The Guinness seemed to be the popular choice among many of the performers and onlookers at this Irish pub, where the bartenders were from....Ireland.
Amsterdam Bicycle Club - Better known as the closed off section of the Esplanade location of the Old Spaghetti Factory. Close to Union if you have to travel with your guitar. The event was advertised at 9PM signup (930PM start), did not really commence until closer to 10pm. The Amsterdam is a cozy, smaller, darker venue with a welcoming, larger stage and good stage lighting. Some of the regulars will hop on the drums, bass, bongos to help accompany you.
The Old Nick - Essentially performers are playing in the front window along Danforth, so you will have onlookers...at your back. In the summer the windows can open, so you will be playing for the masses that stroll by as well as in the bar. A friendly host, Kyle, has been hosting for two years now (and is a drummer primarily, but you would not believe it based on his guitar playing and singing!).
The Cavern - Honestly, I have yet to attend. It sounds like an interesting venue, for the fact if you a performer is downtown working late during the week, you could pop in and sing a couple of numbers from the repertoire. More to report on that one later.
The Grover - Strangely held on Friday nights (versus during earlier in the week where the nights are quieter). As such, you are going to have an audience here. Lacking a stage, there is an area by the main window that is set up with microphone, amplifier, chair, house guitar and a PA. The host was almost too good as an opening act, with a great smooth voice that should have been on American or Canadian Idol. The food choices looked good and would be happy to eat there in the near future.
This is not an exhaustive list, and I will be adding more as they come across my radar and have checked them out. Happy playing!
Friday, January 13, 2017
Trudeau's "Listening Tour": Are Canadians Really this Gullible and Stupid?
After missing one of Canada's most important starts to the New Year (Canada's150th) and after deliberately trying to cover up his "family" vacation plans while making poor judgements on the use of transportation means, The Justin finally comes clean. Today is January 13th, and for nearly two weeks The Justin and his office have hid the details of this vacation that Trudeau prefers to believe he did nothing wrong. So much for the campaign of transperancy, facts and science.
And why another two Liberals on board along with their partners for Trudeau's "family" vacation? Why these two?
With the upcoming Davos conference (a conference of the business, political and economic elite), that he was suposed to attend, The Justin hastily assembles a small town, cross-Canada tour in the hopes of winning over Canadians. Maybe he fancies himself a bit of an upcoming, touring Canadian band after seeing his friends at the final Tragically Hip concert (Ticketmaster did not apply to him like the rest of us long time fans who have travelled to see the Hip over decades). Where can I buy a "Listening Tour" t-shirt?
Perhaps these smaller town Canadians are immune to the increasing tax bases of the urban centres and larger population bases, erosion of employment that can quickly move anywhere (because Justin...it's 2017), less informed of the standards of a real Prime Minister, or plainly fall victim to the leftist media in Canada, blindly believing that everything in Canada is fine...and fine with our "elected leader"
If The Justin does not improve his motives, character and substance this is only the start of things to come. And with our other two opposition parties in leadership disarray, this could continue for years to come. This author will be guaging the "arrogance meter". Stay tuned....
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