Wind Turbine Religion Ignores Rural People

Then maybe watch this movie if your stomach will stand it:

Windfall: The Movie

CBC News reported how each caucus member lined up to speak directly to their leader – via Skype – to assure him of their commitment to the NDP party. And support for Jack [...]]]> I’ll bet more than one political party leader would give their eye teeth for the support from a caucus that Jack Layton received recently.

CBC News reported how each caucus member lined up to speak directly to their leader – via Skype – to assure him of their commitment to the NDP party.
And support for Jack personally in his battle against a resurgent disease that has a frightening reputation for striking a human being more than once.
If I had been a betting person, which I am not, I would lay odds on this political party weathering this and many more storms to come.  In the words of my professional forbears “Watch this space for more developments!”

Margaret Atwood is a national icon: a fiercely intelligent, creative and compassionate Canadian. Although she signifies this untouchable hero symbol in our film- in real life she has been boldly sticking her neck out [...]]]> This is message from my friend and Producer Director of Awaiting Atwood, a movie project in which I have a cameo part:

Margaret Atwood is a national icon: a fiercely intelligent, creative and compassionate Canadian. Although she signifies this untouchable hero symbol in our film- in real life she has been boldly sticking her neck out for the Canada she loves, the Toronto she loves, the values and institutions she feels humanize and enrich us. And through making this film- in the research stage and also in filming- I have learned a great deal more about someone who once was a symbol but now is a flesh and blood, bold and brave woman who speaks out on behalf of others, is NOT afraid to organize, and will not let herself be bullied or demeaned in the process.

My admiration for her art, her bravery, and her legacy on Canadian society has deepened tenfold over the past year. It has been a real privilege to work on an artistic project which revolves around her. To meet her in person has been a real charge for Betty Ann and me!

Ms. Atwood is among the one in ten writers who is able to make a living full time writing- no doubt due to her brilliance- yet she seems to never forget the legions of OTHER artists who struggle- and so her unfailing support for Awaiting Atwood and willingness to lend her celebrity to help others- has struck me deeply and been consistent.

This week’s uproar in Toronto involving Ms. Atwood’s defence of public libraries- has created a movement for Atwood to run as Mayor. Okay. But I hope and pray that Ms. Atwood can continue to write and instead serve her entire country as our next Governor General. I have posted a clip of BA and I slamming into her on the street and YES- we recognize her! We almost lose our donuts!

Here’s to our hero. And PLEASE share this campaign- we are in the 11th hour. Love you!!

This funding campaign on IndieGoGo has been very successful because of your support in sharing your hard earned dollars to help us with production costs, talking up this film with your friends and family, and sharing it with your Facebook and Twitter community.

We simply cannot make it over the top, without YOU backing us! Please give us a little extra push over the next 10 days if you can.

Thanks so much,

Beth Mairs

Recognizing Margaret Atwood

Dear Readers; I’m adding my plea for funds for this project. I am sufficiently vain enough to want to see myself on the silver screen once more……

Unfortunately, I saw a tragic disaster while standing in front of my trailer and looking up at the sky as the shuttle [...]]]> I had mixed feelings today watching the last shuttle liftoff from Kennedy Space Centre – something I saw often while a Florida snowbird with my husband, Larry. I wish the crew a safe journey.

Unfortunately, I saw a tragic disaster while standing in front of my trailer and looking up at the sky as the shuttle cleared the horizon so near and yet several miles away. It  seems so many years ago now but the image is seared in my memory.

Watching in horror as the explosion happened clearly, we knew something was not right. We rushed indoors to see and hear the tragic report on television.

I will never forget those smiling faces before the launch; so full of anticipation and hope. We cried when we realized they will not return. But we learned from their sacrifice just as we learn from explorations everywhere.

I, for one, will always be grateful to those who put their lives on the line for the good of others.

I’ll Never Forget You, Dad

Riding tea tray down with bro Auntie Edie’s staircase You spanked me with my shoe Fence climbing lark Scolding, held my torn finger tenderly I see the scar remembering I’ll never forget you, Dad

Nicknames you gave me Grizzler Gradwell, to  Galoping Hairpin From toddler to teen And Squibbs that stuck Wish you could see me now As cybersquibbs.com I’ll never forget [...]]]>

My Dad

I’ll Never Forget You, Dad

Riding tea tray down with bro
Auntie Edie’s staircase
You spanked me with my shoe
Fence climbing lark
Scolding, held my torn finger tenderly
I see the scar remembering
I’ll never forget you, Dad

Nicknames you gave me
Grizzler Gradwell, to  Galoping Hairpin
From toddler to teen
And Squibbs that stuck
Wish you could see me now
As cybersquibbs.com
I’ll never forget you Dad

Born too soon to avoid
bullets and bayonets in foreign lands
before I was born;
Coldstream Guardsman at Buckingham Palace,
Came bearskin hat and royal tales to
Earlsfield flat
I’ll never forget you Dad

Hoisted up to see
Oxford and Cambridge boat race
You and me cheer light blue
Dark for Mum and bro, chocolate too
Your shoulder perch I watch
A royal funeral pass
I’ll never forget you Dad

Counting pounds on eiderdown
First house downpayment
Now we move to Kingston.
Mums rose trellis her pride and joy
Constructed with care and love
Fireworks chase down garden path
I remember it all, Dad

You are here when music airs
Jazz, opera, dance or marching band
Sharing Sunday gramaphone spins
Awaiting winkle pedlar front room;
Hum reveille as you bring us tea
In bed
I’ll never forget you Dad

Territorials first to go
Another war, even though
Too old, Mum says,
You’ve done your bit
Yet searchlights need a practiced hand
And leave is frequent you understand
I sure did miss you, Dad

Scared to death huddled in shelter
Underneath Richmond Bridge
No Dad to comfort he is busy
Watching marauding bombers
Cruising through web of lights
Ack ack guns split the night
Missed you so, Dad

Unexpected leave, a sharp reproof
Where were you this late?
Bandaged strapped to stretcher
Ladder tipped out shattered window
Ambulance ride hot cocoa ends practice
Tale is told a proud hug
I’ll never forget you, Dad

Borrowed chariot a rescue
from evacuee hell
Blitz be damned together we stand
Or crowd under dining table
To sleep best we can
through drone and bang
You’ll always be my hero, Dad

I’ll Never Forget You, Dad

Your Squibbs

The skies cleared as Glenda made a heartfelt and moving eulogy to her beloved Poppa, recalling many things that will remind us all of the kind dear man who was the last [...]]]> Dear Relatives and Friends,
Yesterday, we stood beside the Fawcett plot in Tara Cemetery to place Gordon Benjamin Fawcett’s ashes in their final resting place.

The skies cleared as Glenda made a heartfelt and moving eulogy to her beloved Poppa, recalling many things that will remind us all of the kind dear man who was the last of his siblings to leave us.

Judy and Leon, Adele (Leon’s sister), Glenda’s daughter Sara, Janine and myself completed the gathering. We exchanged our precious memories, recalling Gordon’s love of sports, horse racing, his continuing interest in local farm matters, crops successes and changes he avidly watched around the township. He was always in on the latest gossip enjoying frequent visits with his cousin Margaret (Fawcett) Radbourne as well as the many friends he had after living in the area for 88 years.

Carefully placing the burial container into the ground prepared for it and covering with dirt, Judy then planted perennials in the plot surrounded by predeceased family members.

She told me later she had reserved some ashes and intended to sprinkle them at the farm on 10th Concession, where successive members of the family had farmed. The property has now passed to other relatives, Tim and Pearl Sweiger, who always welcomed Gordon back to visit at any time. Indeed, a similar invitation has been extended to me to drop by with other relatives wishing to see our Century Farm.

Gordon’s wide range of friends in Tara was evident later at the local diner where he had been a regular patron. We recieved several nods from those eating who knew who we were. The proprietors also greeted us knowing somehow that we had been at the cemetery. Such is the grapevine in a small village. I relish the warm welcome I get myself when I stop in there for a quick lunch when in the neighbourhood.

Gordon was a caring father, father in law, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, great uncle, cousin, brother in law and good friend to many. Salt of the earth, he will be deeply missed.

Please pass this on to others who do not have email. Sorry if I have missed anyone. Please let me know of anyone wishing to be placed on my Relatives & Friends mailing list.

Blessings to you and yours,
Doreen Iris Fawcett

I have a feeling you will hold some toes to the fire that belong to Mr Stephen (I’m running the show, don’t tell ‘em anything)Harper and others who need it.

Thanks, Elizabeth – [...]]]>

As I read this letter from a newly minted MP, I felt encouraged that parliament is going to be more democratic – eventually.

I have a feeling you will hold some toes to the fire that belong to Mr Stephen (I’m running the show, don’t tell ‘em anything)Harper and others who need it.

Thanks, Elizabeth – I’m glad I voted Green!

Here’s the letter from Elizabeth May, MP:

Dear Doreen,

As of May 30^th at 1:16 pm, Canada has its first elected (and sworn in) Member of Parliament! The ceremony was brief and efficient with the Clerk of the House, the impressive Audrey O’Brien, presiding.  Gathered with me were some dear friends and family. My father, brother and sister-in-law in Margaree Harbour, Cape Breton Island were unable to make the trip, but my kids (three out of four!) made it and my nephew and family who live in Ottawa and many who have supported me for decades were in the room.

Parliament Hill feels like home to me. It has for a long time due to my work when I was in government. And I am especially fond of the rooms occupied by the Speaker of the House—so it was meaningful to give my oath in one of them. In the struggle to save South Moresby, former Speaker of the House John Fraser played a significant role. In those long gone days, when Parliamentary conduct was more respectful and when non-partisan cooperation was the norm, Fraser would host gatherings of British Columbia environmentalists who were in town to lobby for the protection of the incredible ancient forests of the southern third of Haida Gwaii. And routinely, Fraser would invite my boss, Progressive Conservative Environment Minister Tom McMillan, to confer with the NDP Environment Critic Jim Fulton and the Liberal former Environment Minister Charles Caccia in his office. The Speaker has the use of a series of rooms along the rear north corridor of Centre Block.  So I recall dinner meetings in the small dining room, more formal gatherings in the larger salon, and intense strategy sessions in the speaker’s office under the large photo of Winston Churchill, one taken by Yousuf Karsh in that same office.

On Monday, I was in the middle of the media scrum in the room where MPs are sworn in trying to describe to reporters how I intend to go forward—how I believe that one Green MP can change Parliament—when I remembered an event in that very room. It was when a number of environmentalists and Haida leaders were in Ottawa in 1987. The reception was more formal and John Fraser made his remarks in welcome. He said of our non-partisan collaboration: “We are part of the conspiracy to save the planet.”

And so that is my goal. The voices of the past, of greater people in public life, of Churchill’s and of Pearson’s; of Fraser’s and of Caccia’s, of men like Jim Fulton who turned his office into a beehive of green activism, these voices still echo for those with keen ears to hear. We still see their vision, those of us with eyes open and aware to the world of possibilities and not shuttered by the blinkers of fear, greed and self-interest.

One Green MP is the beginning of a new era in Canadian political life. Without your help and support this would not have been possible. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth May, O.C., M.P. Saanich Gulf Islands, Leader GPC