Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Drop Zone
The Drop Zone
The Easter seals program has been around for years and is one of those organizations, which those whom know of it certainly know of its worthiness.
As I was en route this morning I was amazed to see what was taking place. From the sounds to the amount of people I couldn’t help but pull aside and find out more. The drop zone as they call it raises monies for Easter seals.
The average people challenges themselves and repeals down in order to raise monies for this non-profit organization. There were a host of many people who were all anxious to get the deed done and if I may say so a very decent one.
I had never seen anything of the likes before yet with the time span I certain left with a feel good as well as chuckle as I felt that I had met a cousin to batman while enjoying the morning with a coffee with the rest of all that were there in attendance.
The Easter seals program has been around for years and is one of those organizations, which those whom know of it certainly know of its worthiness.
As I was en route this morning I was amazed to see what was taking place. From the sounds to the amount of people I couldn’t help but pull aside and find out more. The drop zone as they call it raises monies for Easter seals.
The average people challenges themselves and repeals down in order to raise monies for this non-profit organization. There were a host of many people who were all anxious to get the deed done and if I may say so a very decent one.
I had never seen anything of the likes before yet with the time span I certain left with a feel good as well as chuckle as I felt that I had met a cousin to batman while enjoying the morning with a coffee with the rest of all that were there in attendance.
Just an Ordinary Tuesday....yeah - Movie 1.avi
While heading downtown there was and to my surprise there was this dropzone - which raises monies. I have never in my life seen nor hear of them but the merit as well as some of the folks were truly funny as well as had a
good merit in what they were doing. All the money raised from this event supports Easter Seals.
Building of my Own - Movie.avi
It's a building, nothing neither more nor less.
Which was placed out to a real estate management fund along
with a financial corporation. I never really cared that much as
what one has invested in can either go down or go up. This one
went up and does do well - while the vacancy rate is one space
of merely 1,500. sq. ft.
It’s a small building nor huge.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Some Companies - You Have to Love Em...
Well, the summer is winding down and we're on the brink of a new school year and the end of casual summer wear at the office. Anyone who has been looking for a new or different job this summer and hasn't found one yet is scrolling through the help wanted ads again to see if that dream opportunity presents itself.
If I may let me refresh your memory on what some of those fancy phrases really mean when an employer lists a job openings.
More often than not.
First off, "We offer a casual work atmosphere" does that mean they can't pay you enough to allow you to afford to be dressed up? There is nothing with dressing casual but...
"Come join our fast paced company" which usually more than often translates to - be prepared to hit the deck running because they have no time to train you properly.
"Must be deadline-oriented" I kinda feel that it's a given that all in all they know you shall be behind schedule from day one.
"Some overtime required" which obviously means some most evenings and some most weekends.
"Duties will vary" means that everyone else in the company can boss you around. That's just not right as well hmmm.
"Requires team leadership skills" means you will have the responsibilities of a manager without the pay. Now that's a no brainer and it does give new meaning to having autonomy - you would think.
Or they would have thunk...
"Problem solving skills a must" means they have a lot of problems they can't solve.
"Applicants must have a wide variety of experience" - which that usually means you would be replacing at least two, maybe three people who are gone.
And last, "Must have good communication skills" means management will communicate the only thing is that you will listen, figure out what they want, and get it done. Of course these have all been tongue in cheek job descriptions and they're not necessarily true.....or are they?
The great old manners of which companies works. The manner which I see it is that there are great companies out there and then there are some which.....leave much to be desired.
Happy Birthday Douglas
Doug has been a friend one that does know how to do a blog with a certain quality where it does make one think. I have known him three years now and he does have a manner within his rights that takes it to the next level.
Doug is one which looks at things from a very insightful manner. I have never seen the likes of what Doug blogs. He and his wife celebrate birthday today and more than likely he may not be online. If there are a few things of which I would like to say is that he rights in a manner which is towards all. He leaves it up to those whom whish to post. Within a time where few writing on there blog on areas that provoke thoughts which are within an array of so many areas. Doug has always been that type of chap.
He has been a friend as well as he has even sent me his first book when he published it. A friend which has carried past time on here in the means and was which I have never seen done. When I returned here it was something that a friend would sent you one of his published books. We all do have friends as such and within the blogoshere I truly think highly of Douglas...........so.
Douglas I certainly do wish you a Happy Birthday. As you know your not getting older your just growing ahead.
Happy Birthday there Douglas
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Honouring Jack Layton
Jack Layton was a man that had ideals and belief. While he held office within the city of Toronto. He carried out mandates as all do within those sectors which they are appointed and represent.
Thereafter he went into the Canadian Federal election and came to become the leader and premiere of Quebec. This was a first within the history of Canada. Yet since the time of Pierre Elliott Trudeau there has never been a time where the entire country comes to a halt. I have never seen it come to a halt as it has of this weekend. What he stood for was for the equality of all people. I believe he was a humanitarian and today was the day which his ceremony was held in honour of a man that departed much too soon.
Some within Canada have several different opinions of the man. I surmise that most probably many regarded him as a man one whom had done his best within this area of what we call equality. A man which was elected in Quebec as a Democrat. While some call him a socialist. I don't believe that there is an equation which compares him to the likes of those socialists which we see. Layton care for people. His mandate was for the poor and despite IRENE........the government by way of Prime Minister Harper made sure that the ceremony for this man took place.
Some have compared him with many others yet he was his own. There are some that are able to blend politics and their mandates. Jack's mandate was probably en route but he passed away before he could achieve it. There are those which do hold the essence of good will and are able to accomplish it.
When you see flags down across all of Canada. There is a heartfelt sorrow as there is meaning.
I wish his family peace during this duration of loss.
http://www.cbc.ca/thenational/about/correspondents/rexmurphy/
The World Goes Around
I will add that I don't believe that guns are a for all of society I don't buy not ever have within it. Those that do have the rights for good reason are with regards to the aid and service. I have been training as well as there are some things which are better understood than said.
I applaud those which have the merit of doing. I don't need a fantastic picture of myself on here. Yet I do value those that are within my life.
When we think it's all according to one place, one person, one nation - we tend forget why this very world goes around in the manner that it does.
Past Set from 2007
I did post before on my training now I don't really feel the need.
What is is what is.
Jack Layton
All around Canada it's been there is a sense and as well a feeling that go from the Atlantic to the Pacific. He was much more than a politician - he was a very good man. A man that had done good deeds for those prior to the election here in Canada. Leave out the politics please as this was a man which before his cancer and after it took him certainly did more good than otherwise. I hear America speak so much about there own people. Well wake up as there are other nations not just yours. Jack Layton was a man which aided people. Most of all he was a humanitarian.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/photos/1028#igImgId_15425
Why in some manner do I see America as being a insecure...it baffles me. As this was a man much like a Jimmy Carter but within a Canadian manner....my he rest in peace.
Before I had trouble with my server I had wrote my own dedication to the man.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday Muse
Been busy here coupled with having to have my computer serviced again. I have recently made a switch with modems and finally today it's working. The weather has been hot I mean much warmer than the norm as we are getting the summer which can come much at this time of year. So it's been actually nice to be away for a while and as much as you all loves me. I have been making track which I have wished.
There is not much to write about with the exception to getting a few things done. Accomplished if you will and I so hope that this new modem and connection does work as it enables me to post and as well to leave off from where I was before as right when I was writing. My system went completely down.
I am used to having where the server has had a location here in the city and now that they closed up there internet technology division it's something when you have to wait on a phone and then they tell you that they will send a technician out in two days. So I basically over the past two nights have been working and have finished it all on my own.
So it goes and hope there are no problems with it. The speed of the internet now is 1 Gig - now as long as everything works then we have certainly got somewhere. 
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
From the Vault
I have several online storage areas back years ago there were no usbs or anything of the likes. Yet I have had my server for many years and it was all to interesting to look over some of the correspondences from friends as well I would store many things.
There other day I needed to speak with a representative with my server and low and behold I forgot that I had five storage places and one of which is with regards to my ancestors. It was amazing as I just opened some of them up and my it literally amazed me what I have in there. My grandfather was Norwegian and he had two brothers. All three brothers which would include my grandfather came to Canada and then one brother went to New Zealand and the other went to Australia. When I opened up some of this - it was all so interesting.
I literally traced my roots back within my distant relative which resides in Australia and I have just skimmed the surface as these where a very different time within or on the internet. I believe most of you know my name. Yet I do and have gone by this alias since 2004. Yeah that must have been the time as it's when I started to blog and as most for each they decide what nicknames they wish to go by but I picked this Initiative Stain...However my name is John G. Stain.......
It was amazing to say the least of these people from which I had met and I am not sure if this will work but this is apart of my own ancestral work that I and a very distant relative from Australia did some years ago. He was brilliant and old than myself. His name is Nigel and he is some professor in Australia. He was able to go so far back that there was a picture which I had which I sent to him and back then he was amazed that the very same picture was in the dining room of his Aunts.
Let me see if I can load this on here as I have no quams which sharing it with friends. My heritage that of Norwegian, Hungarian and Italian. When I saw this it was truly too neat.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Dear Jack,
This may be a little lengthy. At last a little time to write. I'll outline a little of my own line.
Our Stanger line is pronounced Stanger as in anger whereas yours is obviously Stainger and I presume descending from Stanger (pronounced Stainger) from Orkney.
My earliest ancestor was Humphrey Stanger 1658 - 1710. He had 9 children. He was married and lived at Barrowden, Rutland, England, birthplace unknown ( not baptized at Barrowden but possibly Harringworth Northants, the neighbouring village). Although no baptism record was found, the name Humphrey Stanger appears on a few occasions there.
His son John 1686 - ? He had 11 children. John was born at Barrowden married in Northants and lived at Barrowden.
His son Humphrey 1719 - ? He had 4 children. Humphrey was born at Barrowden , married and lived at Liddington Rutland.
His son Oliver 1760 - 1843. He had 7 children. Oliver was born at Liddington Rutland , married and died at Gretton Northants, the nieghbouring village.
His son William 1794 -1878. William had 8 children. He was born married and died at Gretton Northants.
His son John 1825 - 1893. John had 9 children. He was born married and died at Gretton Northants.
His son Samuel Charles 1853 - 1917. Samuel had 8 children. He was born at Harringworth , married and lived at Braunston Rutland and died at Worksop Nottinghamshire
His son William 1877-1977 my grandfather born and married at Braunston Rutland died at Little casterton Rutland. He had 7 children.
His son Edmund Atton Stanger my father 1906 - 1978 had 5 children. He was born at Braunston Rutland, married at Market Harborough, Leicestershire and died at Leicester
His son Kenneth James Stanger 1938 - born Market Harborough Leicestershire unmarried.
Now my earliest ancestor Humphrey I believe came from Harringworth Northamptonshire. There was a Humphrey among others mentioned in records and Court proceedings in 1620 aged 50 ( so born 1570) see attachment. After studying Stangers for a few years I am no closer to knowing for sure, where they came from, but have a general idea.
I believe they originated in Norway. I believe the Orkney Stangers and maybe the ones from Cumbria ( and also from Ireland to Cumbria) all came direct from Viking settlement from Norway.Other UK Stangers in the Midlands (Leics Northants Rutland Lincs) were all fairly settled in these areas when church records began in the 1500's. These I believe originally came from Norway, and settled for some time in Denmark before the Great Danish Invasion into Eastern England. The Danes came into The Wash on the East Coast which was swampy , pushed up the main rivers, Ouse, Welland, and Nene and settled the first farmlands they found. All my descendants were on the banks of the River Welland which forms the boundary between Rutland and Northamptonshire.
Now some of the Harringworth Stangers became quite famous, founding Baptist communities, some settling in The Fenland of Lincolnshire and others in Kent, from where they went to the States and Australia.
The town Stanger in Natal, South Africa was named after William 1811-1854 explorer and surveyor general for S. A. He also named a South African cycad Stangeria.
(This I have known of and there is a book on William who was my grandfathers' brother for some reason the people within South Africa decided to name a town after William - as well my grandfather decided to insert an "i" in the surname where his two brothers stayed with the name STANGER).
Apart from this, there are some Stanger in Yorkshire who definitely came from Germany. These may have entered the UK in the time of Eliz 1st whose German husband Albert brought in German miners and tradesmen. The Stangers from Germany I believe were from northern parts and most possibly relations of the Danish ones, across the border, who all came from Norway originally. I now enclose a few emails and other writings you may find interesting. Feel free to use any of the information I supply. You may be able to add or divulge on some of it."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am not sure how many have done their ancestry but there was a time where I did and what came back in return was all too interesting. But the words above were part and parcel of the exchange of emails from this side of the pond and Australia.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
A Story from Long Ago
Yet it seems like it was just yesterday. The entire family had arrived back into Canada and as a Catholic family all of us attended mass for the first time. This was the first which we all were attending and I can remember we were awaiting this older priest. We waited as a family within the back of the church to be greeted by the priest which was giving mass on that Sunday morning. This priest which was at least 80 years of age I would guess that he was probably nearing the time of his retirement as he was very hard to understand.
Yet he blessed us all and then he asked my father, “What did you do before you retired and returned back here?" My father answered the priest telling indicating he had served on behalf of the Air Force. The funniest thing took place as the elder priests response was, “Well that was an unworthy life wasn’t it?”
My older brother had to walk away as I knew he was laughing as this with no doubts a surprise and you could tell that it had taken my father by surprise – where not too many things ever had. Yet with diplomacy despite the fact that he was taken aback I will never recall my father's reply, “Father if it wasn’t of the likes of people like myself with all due respect, all which you have here would not exist.” Of course this priest was old but not that old and he went on to ask my father what he meant by the statement which my father had mentioned to him and there was never any ill will but ironically this older priest never thoughtout what had said. A very sensitive moment to say the least.
The thought was that it was just merely a welcoming of the family to the church. I would presume that both of my folks thought that this would just be a welcome and greeting by the priest which was giving service on that Sunday. In just a few sentences my father described of those countries which do not have a democracy namely Russia at the time just to skim the surface if you know what I mean.
I recall how he calmly went on to say to the priest,"Father if you feel that democracy is a disservice perhaps you might consider it over again.” My father was more concerned at the time of us kids hearing this more than anything. Yet that was a time which I shall never forget. For myself I have my own faith and beliefs. Even an atheist has a faith of sorts but as a kid of the age of 17, I shall never forget how this priest began a conversation with my father in front of the entire family with the mention of what my father did was an unworthy life. Yet within a few minutes as he was from the Ukraine I am sure it hit home. The manner which I view things is that back in the times of history there was always a relationship.
There has always been a pact between United States Armed Forces and the Royal Canada Armed Forces anyone which is within the military and up within that ranks of that of an officer with no doubts knows this. If either were ever attacked on either soil both countries by way of the military considered both countries as one.
This pact of which I speak is one that still exists to this very day. If only that priest might have thought before he spoke – but during grade 11 and 12 we as a family went to mass every Sunday – as well there were other priests of which made a trip to see the family back then to offer my father an apology. There merit within the story is for those which serve are that which have afforded freedom of faith, religion of any kind. Few and far between within my chapters within life have I met those which are within the armed forces which are up there within ranks have never sought out to kill. What they sought was to ensure the pursuit of the freedoms in which we have.
I thought this was a story which I would share. Freedom and the pictures which came my way earlier today were during this travelling memorial. There are some which hate wars - for that matter I never have seen one person which wanted to go to war. Yet when late at night you see a squadron of F - 18's line up in the middle of the night it's a mission. The mandates of those missions which I myself have seen take place were those which were in pursuit of the maintenance and pursuit of our very freedoms. Yet the downside of it is that some do pay a price for it.
Yet it's never to be taken in vain.
I thought I would share a true story from earlier years when my old man had retired and came back into Canada...
Portraits of Honour - Part Two
SASKATOON,SK--AUGUST 19/2011-- A military Honour Guard for opening ceremonies at River Landing Friday, August 19, 2011 during a stop of the Portraits of Honour National Tour. A barbeque in the location saturday morning and HIghway of Heroes on Highway #12 are scheduled for Saturday.(GREG PENDER/STAR PHOENIX)
A friend of mine whom works with the Star Phoenix as a professional news photographer had promised that he would send me a few of his own pictures from this occasion.
I wished to share some of the pictures which he had taken as well as emailed me as he had promised from Friday. And to my surprise he sent them just recently. And I wished to share them. These pictures are not that of my own. They are of a photographer which works for a newspaper which is owned by the Shaw Family.
It's one of two large nation wide as well as local newspapers spanning from one side of Canada by way of what is called the National Post as well as the local newspapers which would include the one here within this city.
These are not of mine. These are a few of which were promised.
So I do wish to mention that these are the photos which were sent to me from
a Greg Pender and they are not the photographs which I have taken. From our
meet during the last Friday.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
A Mere Ramble...
Yesterday was one of a kind and I must admit my legs are paying the price for it. As I had mentioned my father had this replacement of his stints which go to his kidneys. I went for a good long stroll and then got the word that he was done and finished. So thereafter I went and picked him up and took him home and then there was this tribute which I had not known. I must have missed it in the paper but I placed all to a halt and along with this photographer which works for the paper here – we hit it off. The two cameras which he had were amazing to me and he was curious as he could see that I was taking pictures by way of angles it’s the manner which I have always done it and I never had a day like yesterday yet ironically my legs cramp up on me. Right within the knee joints.
Aside of all that there have been more things which have taken place this week in a good manner which as well came to be when I arrived home on Friday. Now there is something to be said for enjoying things as there still are some pictures of a visit to the university here which I have yet to place on.
But I can honestly say that yesterday was the busiest day and with regards to my father it’s been a procedure which I take him in for each six months. Yes age it does catch up with you but ironically I have a small surgery which may take places as well as my doc found that I do need this injection between my knees – I guess he had opened up my file. As I had this done five years ago.
As well I have a meeting with the mayor here in town next week and well things just keep on moving along. Yet today I headed out to the riverside for a morning jog and the people you run into still does amaze me.
So there are those full days and then there are those real full days. Yet what I do know is that it’s not winter yet and that is just fine with me. Eventful things are great just as long as they all have their own manner of cadence as I don’t three hands – I merely have two.
I am not sure about you but not till the eve do I realize all that has been done. Even if you were put together wish spare parts.
They just need to be oiled now and then.
Portraits of Honor Video Three.avi
From yesterday as I had not expected it but it was tremendous.
I had dropped of my father as he has a minor sugery and then I had
forgot that this was taking places.
I met more people and the merits of this Wall of Honour came by surprises.
Yet there was Merit. Of recent Canada's Armed forces have returned to
being that of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces which is a return to what
was the name within the 1960's.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Portraits of Honour
The Portrait of Honour is making its way across Canada as since day one Canada has maintained a presence within Afghanistan. A mural featuring the hand painted pictures of the Canadian soldiers, sailors and aircrew that have lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan their tour of duty.
The families of the fallen soldiers and dignitaries will be in attendance. A large memorial to the military men and women, who've died while serving in Afghanistan, it arrived here today. The Portraits of Honour work was unveiled at today with loud military presence. Both veterans and family of Canadian Forces members killed in Afghanistan were in attendance. The mural features all 156 faces of soldiers who died in the line of duty.
The mural was created by an Ontario painter by the name of Dave Sopha. It took Sopha nearly three years to complete a mural of each and every soldier is within what this painter had completed. Monies raised shall go toward the Military Families Fund, which supports those who've lost loved ones and veterans who return home with physical or emotional injuries.
The Portrait of Honour is touring across Canada. Canada never decided to go into the second Gulf War yet decided to maintain a primary presence in Afghanistan. Two months ago it was decided that Canada would finish what they had promised. With the exception of a few generals all Canadians’ armed forces have returned to their homeland.
This Portrait of Honour is literally going through all cities and towns within the country with the mission to honour those now whom have returned as well as to aid and asset those families of loved ones which have passed on during the decade of maintaining the promise made with partaking in Afghanistan.
I had wrote this after a very long day yesterday but it was the hardest to find all that was with regards to this as I have never hd recieved anything regarding it nor about it till I did my own searching.
I was up from 5am till 10pm. Ironically how there are things which are taking shape but I do wish to say that I was very tired but did wish to post this.
We have the freedoms of which we have and in the areas of which we desire only due to the fact that democracy has a back up. It's called the Armed Forces...
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Evening Skies
The days do get shorter now yet there is that bliss which comes with the sight of the sun setting. There is something calm within the skies. Where it's that temperance sight just before the sun goes down.
May you have
warm words on a
cold evening,
A full moon on a
dark night,
And the road
downhill all
the way to
your door.
- Mary Engelbreit
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Put three grains of sand
inside a vast cathedral, and
the cathedral will be more
closely packed with sand
than space is with stars.
- Sir James Jeans, English Astronomer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Keen as are the arrows
Of that silver sphere
Whose intense lamp narrows
In the white dawn clear,
Until we hardly see,
we feel that it is there.
- To a Skylark, Percy Bysshe Shelley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stars are like animals in
the wild. We may see the
young but never the actual
birth, which is a veiled
and secret event.
- Heinz R. Pagels, American Physicist
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Behold, directly overhead, a
certain strange star was
suddenly seen . . . Amazed,
and as if astonished and
stupified, I stood still.
- Tycho Brahe, Danish Astronomer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
. . . the perceptible Universe
exists as a cluster of clusters,
irregularly disposed.
- Eureka, Edgar Allan Poe, American Writer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
. . . Torrent of light and
river of the air, Along whose
bed the glimmering star are
seen, Like gold and silver
sands in some ravine . . .
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American Poet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Universe is an infinite
sphere, the centre of which is
everywhere, the circumference
nowhere.
- Pensées, Blaise Pascal, French mathematician and natural philosopher
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Andromeda! Sweet woman!
why delaying, So timidly
among the stars: come hither!
Join this bright throng, and
nimbly follow whither
They all are going.
- Endymion, John Keats, English Poet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On Saturday night I lost my wife,
And where do you think I found her?
Up in the moon, singing a tune,
And all the stars around her.
- Mother Goose nursery rhyme
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Many a night I saw the
Pleiades, rising thro' the
mellow shade,
Glitter like a swarm of fire-flies
tangled in a silver braid.
- Locksley Hall, Alfred Lord Tennyson, English Poet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Marduk, bade the moon come
forth; entrusted night to her,
made her creature of the dark,
to measure time; and every
month, unfailingly, adorned
her with a crown.
- Translated from Enuma Elish, seventh century BC tablets upon which
Assyro-Babylonian legends concerning the creation of the world are recorded.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everyone is a moon and has
a dark side which he never
shows to anybody.
- Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar, Mark Twain, American Writer
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Life & Love
I never mentioned that I had left NYC and the way it all came about. I flew out to Canada and then so quickly I found my father to be ill. We had a dialogue from my office in Rockefeller Center. I would call him and he (my father) was amazed and I was the one that had done it within his books. For myself I was just getting started.
When I arrived back here in Canada, I never thought that things could be hard. They were hard as I felt that I was in a different country as New York seemed to be where I felt well placed. I am not sure of what it’s like there now – within the city as most all of those which I knew have gone to other states. There is something to be said to retaining some of those friends. I guess I placed others first rather than myself. No one can even come close to the experience I had. I know this is a time of thinking about now rather than then.
One does make decisions and sometimes they are those of which you can never replace. You can’t change the past. I certainly know that but we all do make mistakes and I think I did make one within my past. It changed me – to some extent for the good and as well I don’t proclaim that I am perfect in any shape nor form.
Think on this one whom has no kids, no wife. Often I ask myself what all went wrong as many get over things far faster. I did get over my divorce but without that ability to look and talk it out with each other. Shall my future years be guided by my surmises? Frankly, I don’t know the answer to that question. Some have felt that it would have been better if I never had left and went back to NY. Honestly there has and most probably will be a question as to those what ifs? What if I never came back to Canada? What if I never dissolved my position as senior vice president of a company here in Canada? I have never had the answers – and now and then I will have it shoved down to me.
I don’t know how you take what ifs at times and think at this day and age of what is. It’s my own story and it’s a part of my life but I do wish to pursuit the things of which I have loved. Maybe there are new areas, maybe its a little more time. Who knows what the outcome which comes within our very lives?
I thought of an angel a visual of that which was with care and love. Then again there have been so many which I have turned away - prey tell why as I don't know. Why am I so cautious I ask? Is it due to feelings? Is it due to being alone? Is it due to the fact that most all of my friends are married and I am not. To love is to enable life. Frankly I know that I am a decent guy so I am and have been told. There is the old saying by Sir Winston Churchill which he stated in regards to the military that there are boys, men, and gentleman. For those out I am a gent. Love is something that I could place into lyrics, or a poem. But yes my nature has always been that of a gentleman. If I was married I would do whatever it takes to make her world to work. I would stand by here and most importantly listen.
But for now I listen within the friends and souls which resonate. For those of you which are married don’t waste it. Don’t take it for granted. As when the souls of two come together there is a repertoire which goes far and beyond the scope of just one. Those of you which are married – hold on to what is precious to you.
You might not know what you have.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Berlin Wall
In case you missed it, this past Saturday, August 13th, marked the 50th anniversary of the building of what became the harshest symbol of the Cold War and the Iron Curtain dividing the West from the East. The Berlin Wall was put up quickly, catching many by surprise.
The Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989 and, while most Berliners rejoiced, they also tried to quickly remove and forget about what was called their Schandmauer, Wall of Shame. For the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the wall, Germany is for the first time, throwing the full weight of federal state approval and ceremony behind an official remembrance to mark the anniversary. Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Christian Wullf will mark all the victims, not only those killed or imprisoned trying to cross the wall, but also the Berlin families separated for a generation by the wall. I'm not sure if the old saying, "Time heals all wounds" strictly applies but the passage of time does tend to make people look at things in a different light.
Times have changed yet have they really?
Any Way You Slice It
Yesterday night at around 10pm we had a hail storm of the likes I have never seen. There were some which were had posted a photo as it was the size of what up here we call a large coin. I thought that some of the windows might very well break but the storm passed through in a time of half an hour. (Jack is that you’re into to this well ok as there is some point of some write which you wish to make).
For the most part I love to focus on what is happening as well as what is new. But there are times in which there isn’t but that is new. I have understood that there are many things right now within the US government that are different to that of the Canadian Government. While a US campaign has been just getting started the government of Canada has been making alliances and new treaties with other nations. from looking at both sides of the fence even when people come up here and speak on radio they will say things that you have never heard. That one baffles me as isn’t United States founded on free speech? Maybe yes maybe no.
Regardless during the day I spoke with several people and the consistent thing which I found was that Canada has always been a silent but proud nation. That has no disassociation to United States. It’s just that several can see a blunder of things – and it’s very hard to keep up with hit all. As from afar it is allot to keep up with the hail was enough. As well, on a military side the Canadian Armed Forces have now returned and are declared the Royal Canadian Forces. It’s the original name which they had. As well there are some tributes which are shortly taking place which will include naming of a street. Canada is out of the Afghanistan situation and has declared where they will stand with all this situations of countries at war. There is something to be said for non political statements which do carry. I don’t know about you but I would much rather have a cohesive decisions than otherwise. Thank goodness Canada’s elections which only take six months at most. Mind you the weather never is within Canada’s favor. I always revert back to the ideologies which economics and politics differ. Folks we were not writing like this one year ago.
Are Canadians at large different to the average America? I think not I just see a nation that is confused as much as I am. One thing I wish to note is that according the stats Canada. As a nation it’s very hard to become a Canadian. Yet right now the amount of immigration is the highest level of security as ironically one cannot become nor have residency in Canada unless they go through a lengthy process.
My English may not be as well as that of many. It’s not because I am French. I was brought up American. Canada could very well increase in population within a means and ways which there is much more within the country. Canada has been a democratic country yet not in the mid set of some due to the New Democratic Party which for the most part was due to what was called the CCF – which at that time before World War 2 was the Canadian Commonwealth Corporation but those days are long gone by. In times as such most Europeans have always pondered on a silent nation, while a neighbour for the most part knows nothing in regard to the neighbor next door. Knock. My it does amaze me how these two governments know more on one side and less on another. Mind you I would surmise that over 50% of those which are America do know Canada and visa versa. Yet I could be wrong. Having travelled many lands but living within two the reality is America’s government. Recently in speaking to a valid economist as well as there after a politician friend of mine.
There reality of economics is within monies within a nation. Politics or those which are within political power are not always the ones which make economic decisions but look at any given area in this case countries. Input and output are the result of a good economy which renders the best within the “economic pie”. The economic pie is comprised of what we see as those which are not poor, nor are rich. In many cases it gives allowance for the two extremes to enable.
For those whom are unsure about where they browse regardless of what security platform....I just had a call from http://www.onguardonline.gov/ There is a thing called security theft......I just received the call today...now I don't know why this would be deployed to Canada but I thought I would share it with all my friends. John G. Staing___ in life known as Jack and on here known as ~ Initiative Stain ~.
Monday, August 15, 2011
There are those Days
There are those times in which you do have to set things aside within family. I love within the eve to come in here and write along with everyone. Sunday did come as another changing point between myself and my old man.
I went there to fix things and while I was doing it all he uttered out - "you don't belong with this family". Seemingly there are always those crossroads. Where I ask myself why am I even bothering with it. I have never done him wrong nor do I wish to do him wrong but there is something to be said with regards to the manner that he tends to things. Obviously is something to do with his own manner.
I have respected the man but after making a visitation he was in a foul mood. I remember how he was like this several time and I don't know how she puts up with it. He can be the hardest man at times. I had to hold my breath yesterday when he made this statement. I was ready to retort. But I just leave it be. There is no point as the man is never going to change. As he has always been so used to being in power - yet I don't see that as being a means no way to talk to those from which do aid and assist.
He can be tremendously smart, I am not like him - but how ironic that father would at this point and time have this hate....I really don't understand the man anymore. I have always knew people and men of his age - women as well which are not of the likes him and boy he can be something to deal with.
He is creating again dessention within the family.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
~ Of That Within All is All ~
Of That Within All is All
Flowing and surging
Three minute whirlwinds within a dance
One to our left another to our right
The third ahead of us A delicate delight
Within their appearance only in truth they are forms
That of people which come to surround us
Of this love and intention an inexhaustible strength
Ever changing and ever bearing
Flashes of lightening quick colors dancingly spin
The rising with surprise of separates descending
With the motions of which rejoining countless array of varied forms
Then again to a single living formation
This truly reminds me of this time Brothers and Sisters
All of us
Within the same myriad of colors
Within all Shapes and forms I love them all
All is merged within that single step single breath a single heartbeat
Growing deeper while widening outwards
Reverberating back upon us
Until All is All
Brothers and Sisters within the same myriad of colors
Merging to arise within the surprise
Of separates descending within the same
Ever change and ever bearing
Within the formation
Of that within All is All
~jgs~
Friday, August 12, 2011
RETAINING AN ATTITUDE OF ALLOWING
Kevin I came to know some time ago by way of a fellow architect which had Kevin living room and board in his basement apartment. Kevin was within the army reserves - then something went wrong. He fell into a situation where he required hospitalization as he fell into deep depressions which lead into a psychosis. It was all due to the loss of a relationship combined with hitting the bottle. There were a few of us which kept in touch with him and then lost it. There is a good side to this story…
He was hospitalized for six months and then there after he was overseen by a professional. He was in the reserves for many years and was always that of the nature of being very smart, intelligent, and tremendously witty. During his recovery, he stopped everything within his life as well he could not work nor could he do most things and was had to go on welfare.
I never have been into this control element, nor am I now. I find over the years there are those which do want help – and those that don’t want help. But there is something to be said in doing something for another – Kevin was one of those types. He was on that verge of living on the street – as he had been drastically impacted by it all and I knew he was that type of person that would so quickly turn to drinking. Yet there was duration where I saw someone which was brilliant yet in hard trying times and during that time to drop in without calling was probably something which kept him level headed. After a little bit of time I made arrangements for him to see this security agency only if he would make a few promises. He had hardly any clothes and I went out and bought him the needs that would get him back into the workplace as. As the saying goes one thing does lead to another. I knew the head of the security company as it was one that my father ran while he was in retirement.
I went to the head of this security force and told him the story. He understood and was open to giving Kevin a try. Mind you from that point on it was up to Kevin as to if he succeeded or failed. Kevin ended up doing very well. He stayed with the security force for a period of five years and then went to South Korea to teach English at the same time he had met a lady which became his wife. The two of them lived in South Korea and did tremendously.
He came back after three years of teaching English and now works within the local airport here within customs. I ran into him the other day when I was at the airport. There after we caught up with all that he was doing. He and his wife separated and are on good terms. Kevin reinvented his life. From being hospitalized with a diagnosis after a prolonged period of depression he has come a long ways. If he didn’t he would not be working within customs. Now here is one person of the likes of many that had a situation. Through it all he is no different than anyone else and literally he was in a rut. There are more than we know that do go through the likes of Kevin. I would assume during the time that we had together that he and his wife shall be getting back together but the merit of this story is that many I can’t even begin to tell you the trail that this chap went through – but many did walk on by. There is something to be said for those that do take the time and help out someone when they are in need. Yet he is living proof of the will to achieve.
So often there are people that pass people like Kevin by. Yet what I have learned is that it merely starts with the aid – not the control of someone that looks beyond and takes things into account. Kevin lives a full life. Now I did help him out and with no intentions of a need for him return anything back. But most of all Kevin is one that once given a chance and opportunity he blossomed. I find more often than not there are many people of this kind which never do get that second chance. There still is something to be said with for people like Kevin. There are organizations but I tend to see so many placed into an institutionalized situation and some do get out of it and carry on with life – when they are given that second chance. I have no problem with indicating the how I helped this person. Yet at the same time I merely just opened the door and the rest was up to him.
The door opened and Kevin not only walked through them. He went on to make life work rather than become of the likes of many which have what it takes but some do fall through the cracks and all they need is merely a little help and then they are off encountering life and living it. The credit isn’t mine as really the credit all goes to one whom decidedly made good choices and turned the page within his life.
Earlier I had a Domestic Emergency As this shelf unit of my folks collapsed. Within an hour and a half all things were fixed. Yet I must admit there is nothing like having supervisors overseeing everything you do. Ear plugs might have been a good idea – more so than the tools. Yet all was taken care of. I shall head over there this weekend just to make sure that the world is not coming to an end. You love em but at the same time they can at times be a handful – but I would never tell them that.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Thoughts Which Turn Into Action
In a world of over six billion people, it’s easy to believe that the only way to initiate profound transformation is to take extreme action. I beg to differ. While we do have the ability to influence perhaps it may be different for each person as we all have areas in which we have discovered and are a part of our lives and then there are areas in which we desire to obtain within our own pathways of life. Influence is something which I find that we all have within our own areas. We don't just begin something without some consideration. I find that there is an adjustment or change which we make given that there is something which inspires myself. I am not sure about you but this falls into that category of heroes and those which encourage. It’s something which inspires. And I do believe that people at any age can make a change or grab onto something new which gives some good meaning within life. We never had the intention nor that thought process of I don't wish to have good things or I wish to do nothing and let life pass me by. It's not within the nature of anyone unless they have had a frontal lobatomy. The manner of what brings one joy is within their own mindset. Look at the Dali Lama and ironically he has literally proved the power of shifting the mindset. As well, there is a Japanese man by the name of Kochie Tohei whom proved how powerful the mind is. Some years back was hooked up with machines which were observing if in fact do some of the things which he had claimed within his book called, Aikido in Daily Life. One test was to verify some of his thoughts on the power of the mind, soul and body. This included this test regarding his ability to change the rhythm of his heart upon his own decision. Within a period of ten minutes he was able to change the pace of his heart beat five times. Now that does say something with regards to how we have the power to shape things from how we look at things. But for every action not only is there a reaction but there is a synapse of a million within the brain.
Thoughts and actions are like stones dropped into still waters, causing ripples to spread and expand as they move outward. The impact you have on the world is greater than you could ever imagine, as most predominantly we are that of who are the editors or producers of our own lives. I find that we are the host of producing our own thread of how I see and understand life. How the movie starts and ends is that of my own making within creation. The momentum of your influence will grow as your ripples moves onward and outward. One of those ripples could become a tidal wave of love and kindness.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
How Fear Destroys Companies from the Inside Out
How Fear Destroys Companies from the Inside Out
by Tom Rieger
The recession may be over, but the anxiety and fear that has spread has firmly rooted itself in "the new normal.” Gallup has found that half of American workers feel like they are prisoners in their own company. Regardless of industry, company size, job level, or function, a vast number of employees feel caught in a tide and powerless to do anything about it. The resulting cost to organizations - in productivity, profits, and customer engagement - is exorbitant.
In his new book Breaking the Fear Barrier: How Fear Destroys Companies From the Inside Out and What to Do About It (Gallup Press; August 23, 2011), Gallup executive Tom Rieger draws on the company's global research across a dozen countries spanning six continents to identify the "fear barrier" and to show how and why fear destroys companies. The book explains how to transform a fear-plagued organization into one that is courageous and unstoppable. As Senior Practice Expert for Gallup, Rieger led the consulting effort to examine numerous companies that had, in their own words, "become stuck.” In these companies, whether they were banks, manufacturers, retailers, or call centers, the story was the same. Strategically, they were doing everything right, but something -- a "barrier" -- was getting in the way. No matter what these companies tried, no matter what they did, they just could not stop a slow downward slide. "It was like watching the same movie over and over again," says Rieger.
Given the uncanny similarities, Rieger began documenting and studying the barriers in each company. His team dug into policies and procedures and interviewed people at various levels in the organizations. Their research spanned different industries, functions, and job types in both the public and private sectors and uncovered one overarching factor: "What we found was that ultimately, fear leads companies to self-destruct," says Rieger. With fear identified as the culprit, Rieger turned to psychology for answers -- specifically, the work of Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky. Their research on the psychology of loss gave Rieger a breakthrough insight: Fear, specifically fear of loss, leads people to protect their entitlements, even if it clearly harms the overall organization. The best way to protect what's yours -- whether it's a position of power, budget, or headcount -- is to put barriers around it. It's human nature. And while those walls may shelter one person or group, they leave others in the organization out in the cold.
In Breaking the Fear Barrier, Rieger identifies the three levels of the pyramid of bureaucracy:
Parochialism: a tendency to force others to view the world from only one perspective or through a narrow filter, when local needs and goals are viewed as more important than broader objectives and outcomes
Territorialism: hoarding or micromanaging internal headcount, resources, or decision authority in an effort to maintain control
Empire building: attempts to assert control over people, functions, or resources in an effort to regain or enhance self-sufficiency
Each level of the pyramid is a defensive response, and each creates rampant bureaucracy -- which in turn limits success, crushes employee engagement, and infuses a sense of futility across an organization. Throughout his engagements with these companies, Rieger saw firsthand how easy it is for fear to crush people and break their spirits and how quickly barriers can kill enthusiasm and energy. These may seem like insurmountable obstacles, but Rieger maintains that because these barriers were built internally, they can be destroyed internally. Before they figured out the root cause, his clients were convinced that these were problems they could never solve. But once they began dissecting and breaking down the fear, the changes were nothing less than extraordinary. Business results skyrocketed. Service rankings changed from worst to first, turnover dropped dramatically, and sales increased, and morale improved.
In Breaking the Fear Barrier, Rieger offers a cohesive and groundbreaking process for breaking down each level of bureaucracy to remove the barriers. Next, by proactively fostering courageous behavior among employees and keeping insidious "courage killers" at bay, leaders can root out fear in their organizations and establish a culture of confidence, engagement, and long-term success.
Thriving Within an Era in Time
It's obvious to see all which is going on within the world right now. I see it just as most all do. I tend to filter out so many things of which I see happening around the world right now. That does not mean I don't care. We certainly are living within times which have impacted many around the world. I don't know of one country right now that is not within some sort of ordeal.
We all live our lives and full knowing that these are times which we won't come to really understand it all till much later in time. Yet for myself I don't avoid writing on some of the things which are happening but it could literally be something that one tends to continually write on. There is a difference I find of recent within the landscape of those of which I know which blog here on Multiply. I would tend to think that most all have in some way, shape or form have been affected with all that sits back within the back of our mind within different manners and ways. Some have been drastically affected and then there are others which have been able to look on the brighter sides of things. I myself do see the news and it's not pretty in any country right now where stock markets have plummeted to all time lows. Mind you there are those which have invested monies within a long term manner as of the likes of blue chip investments.
Yes the world again is taking a turn and I myself don't know all the answers within that. There is that choice of how to retain the good aspects of life during these times. For myself, I carry on within my own areas or walks of life and I guess you could say there is an avoidance with all of the things which I know I have no control over so I render the best and perhaps I have had my sum of things which have made me stronger or positive. What's the key? Quite frankly I believe that is different for each person. I am a believer that this is a time in which there is a need for more heroes and cheerers. Within the worst of times in history there has been progress which has came out of it. World War two would be a perfect illustration of how the industrialized age came to be. During these times I know full well that this is not that of the same nature. But I do believe that within a will there shall be a way - some outcome will come out of all this but it's not going to illustrate itself within the short term. Those which are or have been effected there really is nothing one can do but seemingly wait and watch this all play out. I don't stop what I am doing and nor do I know yet care about how this world is going to economically make a comeback. There is that aspect called the rate of returns. There is something to be said for being prepared for times like the ones in which we predominantly all are being effected by. For myself, I just carry on and I do pay attention to what is going on but if you know what I mean I don't by choice get all involved in it.
Perhaps this shall be a time within our lives where we shall be able within some manner to talk to the next generation of what transpired within these times. Yet of what I have learned is that it's not wrong to go on with life and enjoy those things which are within my own sphere. Sure there are different class structures within life - ever society since the dawn of mankind has had some sort of structures or levels. But while the world is ever changing in a manner which does impact to some extent I do go about my own life and ways. I do believe their times which welcome and is in need of more of heroes and those which cheer on. They’re out there even during these times. I do ponder how low it shall go before things economically start to make and upswing but it's not within my nature to wait. I just take things as they come. As I believe within some of the things which I have been afforded yet that all said they could be gone in an instant.
I go about my own day life is not all perfect. Yet there is something to be said for thriving with that which is rather than focusing on the have nots. One would never imagine the extent of things that are happening right now within the world from the recent happenings in so many countries. Yet don't get me wrong I certainly not blind to what has and is and shall be going on for some time. Yet I have never been a defeatist. Nor am I about to be one now. As there are still the good things and perhaps it's all within the way we look at things. Perspectives combined with realistically understanding that there are no perfects - yet it's within the way we shape our world from our own vantages. There are no exacts and there are the ups and downs and there are no perfect solutions but the fact that one has that consideration while employing the good things are what ensure that of our own peace of mind if you will. I know I am not the only one but within the words of which I saw within my notes there were a host of different words that some placed on. Cadence has always been the manner in which I tend to my own day. There are days of which one could complain as there are the ups and downs within life - I value the upsides in a realistic manner. Yet it is discerning when I watch the news in regards to wars as well as economies. I know that there are those things which one holds closely while there are other things of which one could really think on and become their own self defeatist.
I care yet at the same time there is something to be said for being carefree. Mind you careful is a good choice from a monetary side. Yet I enjoy what is rather than what is not. As well, I don't know about you but time CAN be a precious commodity. Yet it's nice to just simply enjoy what is. This is intrinsically different for each person from a personal nature as the structures of our lives might be a little different – but the value is within what makes life worthwhile.
But most importantly life does carry on. And there are no absolutes when we all came into this world. This life in which we live no matter where you are from is a ride. The ride is that of which you make of it. Perhaps that’s all within choice. Each day there are several decisions which do make up part of my day and come the evening the choice is that of enjoyment within that calm of the night. For me it’s my own conclusion of the day.
Luxury Part One
Not like everyone else? Yet when you look at the sentence is anyone like exactly someone else? It's all within the transition for me of life and as well the life within blogging. We adhere within simple tonations of what everyone does write about. While I was on my way to go there and back to see how far it was there I was litening to the story. It was with regards to the class of societies. I caught me so much that I went to the newstation later to where this radio casting came from.
I recieved it and there was something that was certainly more than not merits in which this one morning radio caster was presenting. As it was within this era where we came to go beyond a certain point and thrive within luxieries. At first I thought it was not really anything much till I came to listen to it more.
There still are things which captivate a person. But this it's what is called a feed and when you do have the time you might find some insight with this as it certainly did from this end.
The episode was on luxery and the diffentiation and chronologica manner. There is something to be said to being in luxury as a comparitive to the alternatives. I never was much into luxury. I knew many which were and I new many where could be but never opted for it.
Hence the podcast as this morning I was within my own state of doing what I do without the need of being that within luxury. I keep it rather tight and conservative when it comes to money matters.
http://www.cbc.ca/video/news/audioplayer.html?clipid=1743309390. 
Monday, August 8, 2011
Heritage Retained - Wanuskewin Heritage Park
There are no entirely clear definitions within the wisdom and knowledge of that which has withstood time as well by way of tradition. It means so many different things to a variety of people.
First Nation traditions, like many indigenous cultures, are based strongly on a natural spirituality, one in which all things are connected and where the mutual respect between the land, animals and the natural world must at all times be adhered to. To upset this balance will mean hard times, both in their environment and in their personal lives and spiritual lives. The First Nation people of the Northern Plains believe their relationship with the natural surroundings, mother earth, is one of the strongest connections that not only connects them to the earth and to their spiritual world, but also provides balance and harmony between these intertwining natural elements. To them, ensuring a good relationship and balance to the earth will mean that life will perpetuate for eternity.
The Cree, Saulteaux, Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Dene and Blackfoot people of this region made use of every animal that was harvested, making sure no part was wasted. To them, all parts of an animal had a purpose and each part was made use of. From the parts of an animal that were not eaten other purposes were found and utilized. The antlers of big game like bison, moose and deer tools were made into tools like spoons, knives, needles, skin scrappers and other household items. From the tanned hides and furs of animals came clothing and shelter. Raw hides were used for snowshoes, hunting bags and fishing nets. Containers used for storage were made from roots found in the earth, such as the spruce root and birch bark. The First Nations who resided on the Plains did not have the abundant, large trees that flourished in the coastal rain forests.
The Plains region was inhabited by as many as sixty million bison. The bison, the single most important animal in Native life ways, was the primary source of meat in their diet and the primary source of raw material for manufactured goods. When and if the bison hunt was poor then bands secondary source of food was that of elk, moose, deer, and waterfowl. They never killed for sport. They lived life on the grounds as a great people who have never went instinct. They traversed all trails and crossings in pursuit of bison herds. Early fall marked the beginning of the bison hunting season. During the winter season, resources were scarce and the people dispersed to their winter camps. Archaeologists have found evidence of large camps in areas that are rich in resources, near valleys and a source of water.
A single buffalo provided a great amount of meat; bulls averaged 700 kilograms and cows averaged 450 kilograms. First Nations consist of Dene, Saulteaux, Woodland Cree, Plains Cree, Swampy Cree, Nakota, Dakota and Lakota people. Although the names of the province’s First Nation groups are relatively new, their ancestors have lived in Saskatchewan for more than 11,000 years. Historically, Plains First Nations hunted bison, moose, elk and caribou, depending on what was available. Fish and vegetation were also part of their diet. Because of the need to share food in order to ensure the survival of most of the population, Plains First Nations communities formed a consensual political system.
Everyone had to agree before a particular decision was reached. There are now nearing two thousand businesses owned by Bands or individuals of the First Nations. This Heritage Park is funded by a variety of sources and services as a heritage park in which retain the dignity of the people as well as give some education to those of which have never aspired to truly understand the heritage.