There are Things within Life

Which one doesnt have control. This I do know with my father as I had seen him today but just for a small amount of time. He said a few decent things and one could really fall into a depression. Over the weekend I talked with my brother as well with my cousin. Yet it's not easy but what does one say within this stage of the game but to accept things.

Of course I have had a weekend of over thinking and what I had done was got on the phone and called my two cousins and still I think that no one really knows what it's like to have a revolving door where at any given time my father could very well be gone. For myself it has been rough. And within this time where I am doing what I have set out to do the one fear what that my father and myself would leave on a bad note.

I left early this morning and was back at 2pm. I do thank you for your kind remarks within a trying time. The main concern medically with my father is he is a stage 4 non hodgkins survivor of 12 years with an abnormal auto immune system which within the last two years I knew full well that at some point in time he would have some situation - yet who knows where it goes - I am glad I met with him as well I am not going to get all down. There is nothing romantic about areas like this and I never assume anything and hope for the best.

The best thing for myself at this point is to keep busy and allow that time where one can take there mind of areas such as this.

 

Going to get some fresh air - as my father as I just logged on 15 minutes ago and my cell rang and my father has been hospitalized.

Sometimes I do step back and Ponder

Jax, my friend’s dog seems to do well with just morning walks and a milk bone now and then.  I don’t write that often on politics as I read it all the old-fashioned way in the morning.  There is that trend which some may profile a person as to whom they are rather that taking the time to read or listen. Yet that is so easily done in person. Part of today was cleaning up this building with a few others as it was in need of it as it may serve a purpose.  An organization here in town has been in need of some help, which I partook in.  Now for a building, which is not that large – there were things left go that really baffles me.  Some have that thought that someone else is going to take care of things.  This was one of those cases and nearly the basement was in dire straits to be cleaned up for the need of space.  The first thing that came to my mind was how things are left to go while an organization can function knowing full well that there shall come a time where things get to the point where they are in a crisis.  We cleaned out most of the things which could have been auctioned off or given to charity.  When I see organizations like this, which leave things go yet have an outcry for more money – it doesn’t really make sense.

I think we are moving at a pace where people are so focused that they miss out on some areas – not to mention that we are moving at a light speed of doing things all by a means and ways via the computer. A study showed today that there is the largest demand for skilled laborers and very well versed technology skilled people.  Now those are two entirely different areas.  Something natural is missing within this picture as there is nothing yet that replaces the six senses, nor the human condition.  We are living within an automation world of streams.  I myself can testify that within the evening, I do go online but I still enjoy reading, I love photography, and I most enjoy that humanistic communication. 

Are we getting closer, I am not sure as I get emails from the president as well as the prime minister in my email yet I know that to is the huge demand for organizations which produce – they are so good at it that they even have my own first name on each one of them.  I would assume that some of this does hit and make a great impact yet there are areas which technology does not come into the values of our lives.  Feelings are not something that can be felt by way of a sensory device, nor can the discussions between people be made in a spontaneous manner.  Alternatively, the feel of lying outside on a beach, getting up in the morning, and looking outdoors with a coffee within hand and countless other things.  I do enjoy the internet as well as this new era of expression.  Yet does one write for the sake of others or for the sake of an effort to replace the normal manner of communication?  I think your getting my point.  I am heading into the city tomorrow to take care of a few things, which would include one meeting, a check up with my doctor and a quick visit with my folks and one friend.  I know the outcome is going to be good either way it’s not from online it’s by without a computer.  I remember when there was a time in which we just had telephones and faxes.  If all failed within this camugla of the internet would we be less ahead or farther ahead in respect to the human condition.  Accessories are becoming necessities.  They have come to be necessities.  Yet I question are they a necessity in all realms of life?  

Regardless one does have to balance it all out yet when I see kids sitting behind a large screen playing games for hours, watching television for hours – are they better off in comparison to the old means and ways.  Are our youth that of a linear style of thinking more so than engaging and understanding life by a natural form of trial and error. 

 

 

Robin Gibb of the Bee Gee's awoke out of a coma yesterday after a lengthy battle and on going battle with Cancer. From what I had read, he has had numerous bouts of cancers of recent. http://www.robingibb.com/robin.html

A Natural Home

 

Recent with the change of weather there are droves of people walking to this place where I find that I consider a home.  One which I sit and take all which has been done within the day and place the order of what has been accomplished and the positive small things which have empowered the day.  I find that families and children people of all walks within life take that walk, take a jog, sit, and look at the view everyone seems to be so pleasant.

A natural grace, which gives way to an evening of a collective soul.  From running into one nurse, which I have come to know to all folks just saying hello, is a gift within this town.  Then this man by the name of Melvin all of 90 years of age and yet so young within his percept.  While I was heading back, I knew it was him jaunting to this evening view on this scooter.  Just a week ago, I stopped and spoke with him as he was working on his yard and had a short discussion. 

He asked me how much longer I would be staying, he asked me where I was from, and then he went on to speak of the old days of which I listened intrigued as well as amazed with his short stories.  I wished to take a picture of him yet within respect I, left it be.  The sunsets at this time of the year do give that pleasant gift of which Mother Nature gives. 

 

As I gaze into the eves skies

I come to realize

Within some shape and form

This natural setting

Is much of a meditative place

That of a connect with Mother Nature

A worthy spot at night's end

 

 

Night Cap

In the later part of the afternoon, I went to go get some things I needed at the local store.  Up early within the morning the weather was as worthy of shorts.  Thank god, that the weather now is up there and I went and laid out on the backyard trampoline and just listened to nature within spring.  Even within a small town, everyone was either biking, walking and as I laid there, I could hear the church bells going off as there must be around ten and you could hear songs and some bells ringing - there is something to that yet I can't place my finger on it.

Then surely, as can be, I was taking a quick shower and here this friend’s wife gave me her hiking bike.  Apparently, they had rang the house and no one was around.  By the time, I got out of the shower and into some clothing, I went to the side door and there was a green hiking bike.  Shortly there after I called Martina – apparently she had not seen my cellular number on her phone.  She said, “Oh hi Jack, I didn’t see you on the call display.”  I replied, “yeah it’s me and maybe its better that way.”  Of course, we were joking back and forth and I then told her that it was very nice of her to do what she had done.  She responded, “Do what?”  I know she was playing it for all it was worth.  Afterwards we were just laughing.  Lyall came on shortly there after and asked if I was ready for tomorrow.  Sometimes there are those connections with people, which you just understand the wit – as I knew that tomorrow’s agenda would be going biking through the trails tomorrow morning.  

Thereafter I took off with this bike and wouldn’t you know it – I went down this steep trail and with all the moisture still in the ground I ended up making my way downwards and then had to walk the bike up as the ground still has allot of moisture in it.  I probably should have stayed on level grounds.  I called a few friends from a photography group, as it’s rather something to see some of the photos, which are on there. 

Gord whom hails from British Columbia is a civil engineer and avid photographer.  Within his company, he is all over Canada and America what a great combination as where ever he goes as a consultant he takes his camera(s) along with him.  There is a internet local much like EBay but it’s called Kijji – I am going to see what kind of deals that are out there as photography is much like an art.  I don’t know how to explain it but I do love it within a conceptual manner. 

 

Picture Scapes

The weather was warm – probably the warmest it’s been thus far. I went the trail that I had started when I arrived here. The last was when there was still snow. Watching the this evolvement of a natural morning was that of enjoyment, contentment – just within the moment where time has no meaning more so are the scenery as it grooms into spring.

Birthday Wishes Frani Video.avi

Frani – Happy Birthday

After arriving home and having lunch I thought I would send out a kind gesture to Frani – whom celebrates here birthday today. I always enjoy reading her blog. She is thoughtful as well is a well-travelled person. When I read her writes as well as here pictures I see one that is create and intelligent. From miles due north I wish you the very best on your birthday. There is something to be said of the people that one does come to know within the avenues on this web stream. I believe Victor Hugo is one of many poets that you enjoy – thus I send with good wishes on this day of yours.


THE GENESIS OF BUTTERFLIES by: Victor Hugo (1802-1885)
HE dawn is smiling on the dew that covers
The tearful roses; lo, the little lovers
That kiss the buds, and all the flutterings
In jasmine bloom, and privet, of white wings,
That go and come, and fly, and peep and hide,
With muffled music, murmured far and wide.
Ah, the Spring time, when we think of all the lays
That dreamy lovers send to dreamy mays,
Of the fond hearts within a billet bound,
Of all the soft silk paper that pens wound,
The messages of love that mortals write
Filled with intoxication of delight,
Written in April and before the May time
Shredded and flown, playthings for the wind's playtime,
We dream that all white butterflies above,
Who seek through clouds or waters souls to love,
And leave their lady mistress in despair,
To flit to flowers, as kinder and more fair,
Are but torn love-letters, that through the skies
Flutter, and float, and change to butterflies.

A Good Friday!

All in all it was a fine Friday. I gave myself a kick in the behind and met up with a friend and the day went well. Now I don't know how one can do a mind shift as such but it all went well - I met up with a friend of mine whom I had mentioned. I had a few things which I had to get done and then I contacted my service provider for my cell and go figure Koodo is owned and operated from El Salvador. There after I got myself a bike. Now I have never biked it in a long time. The weather warmed up by noon. From miserable weather of yesterday to such a change within one day. I was intending to head into Saskatoon just to do some shopping but with the morning it was rather cool. So go figure, there is a seamstress in town and I took some clothes to be done and apparently she is the only one here and when I dropped a two pairs of pants off as well as one pair of jeans she smiled and said they would be ready in one week. Now that is fast... not.

Regardless I had a much better day that I had been having over the last week. Expression does seem to give way to better days and for those whom had mentioned something - I do thank you as I do wish I had a mike from which to speak on this as I had before.

So I do appreciate the thoughts and I kid you not when there are others whom have that time to make mention of something it does go along distance.

As simple as it is thank you.

 

 

 

Dick Clark born in Utica, New York An American Teenager at large they called him. One whom could see opportunity yet was always the same person on television and off. How many of us did look forward to watching one whom brought music into our homes as countless productions. I am not sure if we would have had the Chubby Checkers, Beach Boys, Jackson 5, and many countless others. What I see as the relevance of Dick Clark is that he never took himself too seriously. He did pave the way for many that would include those whom enjoyed American Bandstand - the American Music Awards, a New Years from New York. He lived a full life and may he rest in peace as there are some which are irreplaceable I would tend to believe that Dick Clark is one of them mainly due to his natural manner.

A Return of the White S

Stuff that is.  Overnight it was predicted that we would have some moisture as well as a possibility of some snow showers.  In the morning it was obvious that nearly half a foot came and is still going on.  I placed all my winter stuff away but you can never control Mother Nature.

I have been avoidant of writing – since last week, as some may know I have been very successful in doing something medically yet since last week I have been burned out.  My hopes were that I would be right on the mark with my agenda.  Right now, I am just coasting.  Yet my appointment with my doctor last week indicated a loss of ten pounds.  To couple that I had met with the folks to see how things are.  The friend of mine whom I met here was with me on two occasions and he could see the change of personalities with my father.  Yet so quickly, he changes and is very harsh in any conversation with myself.  I think this is why we hit it off so well and his wife is right up there as well but back to my story.

After last week, it really took the energy out of me.  I have wanted to get back into my jogging which as I have come to a halt with it for the last week.  I found last week I was having a good nights sleep but I have been having flashbacks pertaining the times, which I had left New York and all that took place with cancer.  Yet he believes I shall get through this period as well as my doctor a large portion of it.  Both know that I am doing my best with all factors taken into consideration.  He indicated how his father was in the Air Force as a mechanic, he would be involved with everyone else but when it came to him or his brothers – his father didn’t really have much to do with them.  I listened and Lyall told me that he understands full well  however he and his wife firmly believe that I am very intelligent and that I am my own worst enemy right now as I have been played out.  I have not been doing that much as things have been adding up.  My last appointment is on the 30^th with my left side of my teeth.

I do not like to write on these areas but you have no idea of what it is like to entirely be out casted.  I have literally been doing the best.  Sometimes I ponder where the future lies within all of this, as it has been very isolated yet today I was prepared to get back to running – yet it is not within the game.  It has been a sad state of affairs and there have been some real major stressors but I do carry on.  Yet I have always thrived on goals. I have to relinquish them and I thought I would let those friends of mine know, as I believe in authenticity.

For those whom don’t know what I have been doing it is on my blog but I posted most of these writes to contacts only.

 

 

Well Howdy...

It's been a while since I was on here. I came out of having an ear infection. And a few other things as well. It's nice to take a break from this every now and then. I thought last Thursday. And then was not able to and to be totally honest I really was coming to think that a break was best.

It's really as simple as that.

 

Are you having troubles with hitting the Reply on your blogs?

Saskatoon Reaches the New Yorker

I was reading the newspaper this morning and it amazed me that Saskatoon made an unexpected cameo appearance on the front cover of an Iconic American Magazine, named The New Yorker.  The April 16^th edition of the New Yorker features a humorous painting of inside a plane, where passengers are doing there best to stuff ridiculously oversized carry on baggage into overhead bins.  Amongst the entire cluster, you will notice within the aisle there is a plastic shopping bag labeled “Saskatoon Airport Duty Free”.  Bruce McCall, a Canadian whose work has appeared in the New Yorkers since 1980, did the painting.  “since the purpose of this cover as with all my work is humor it seemed appropriate to make the duty free bag in some way funny, or at least not realistic. “  There is nothing  funny about duty free bag from London, Rome, Tokyo, so I shoes as opposite a place as I could think of – a non international airport where there would not be a duty free outlet or outlets within an airport”.  This was the thinking of McCall as he assumed in the case with Saskatoon.  As he added, "I’m Canadian myself and love to put in Canadian references whenever I can.  just to confuse our readership within New York as well as internationally.” 

Apparently, within a humongous readership there have always been picks and ponders to the cover of the New Yorker.  So there is always something that strike as joke or something which provokes some questions as it is apart of the tradition of the theme of the front page.  McCall was informed that Saskatoon’s airport does have international flights as well as a duty free shopping.  His response was that of surprise, as he couldn’t believe how much air travel had changed.  Within the interview when McCall became aware that Saskatoon had international flights and duty frees shopping, he went on to say, “I’ll tell the New Yorker there is a duty free at the airport there.  Though of course you just ruined my joke.” 

On April 16^th, the cover of The New Yorker will be that of what is shown above. As it was on the cover of the Saskatoon Star Pheonix.

 

 

More than just a Productive Day

The day went very well.  I walked into the cafeteria side of this homecare area of the hospital.  I never mentioned that there was this lady which was entirely blind and last week when I had my last meeting I then went around to a few of the folks which were there and there was this one glowing spirit whom has a few health situations.  Yet she is rather young compared to most which are there,  I don’t know her nor anyone's  entire case but there is one thing for certain - there are some elder people within there which crave to have company.  When I walked in and hung up my jacket – she could hear my voice from the clinic area and I heard this utter, “Jack is here.”  I knew things were off to a good start as I remembered her name, as I did feel a little sorry for this one as she cannot walk but she is rather young, feisty, and witty as they come.

I met up with the activity coordinator.  It’s the first time they have had a guy in there which is a plus as there are many old timers from the war and of other areas that one would tend to think that it would be a stressful position.  For this week, I am on a schedule to come and go as I please with the exception that the head of this division of the hospital wishes to meet with me within the morning tomorrow at 9am.  She seems to be very witty at the same time one can tell a professional when they see one.  She has been a specialized nurse in nearly every city in the country.  I would surmise that this is a last post for her before she goes into retirement.  This morning she waved me over to come and sit down and discuss how this shall go.  Tomorrow I will know more as today I was there just for half a day.  As it seems, because everything is within a rotation around the schedules of breakfast, lunch and supper – as well as there are a few people which come into to speak with them on designated times – I will do this with a open ended schedule.  I have done this within family as well as in early days I had done visitations with certain people by way of the oncology department.  Yet this is more of a relaxing thing where many of these older people have so much to talk about and no one to talk with.  I see this as a decent thing and shall continue with it along with my own goal in mind.  All the senior nurses know my case and what I have done and there is a regard and respect, which I find very earthy.

Back to the story, I talked and listened to two older gents which once they summed me up, they were more that willing to chat and there are some long, I mean long stories.  As I think, many of them had seen family that came in over the weekend and were sort of feeling down.  Yet this blind woman, I took here in here wheel chair for a walk and I would tell here what I see and how happy she was.  Alongside was another nurse whom had an elder woman I would assume couldn’t conceive much – however who really knows?  Overall, I am glad that I have taken this on, I shall be there again tomorrow, and it is a very nice excursion as well as something much more.

I would never take a picture without the consent within a case as this place as it would be an infringement on privacy. Yet I went out looking around the back portion of the hospital and when I walked back in before I took a generalized one.

 

One Day does lead into Another - I would suppose.

Sunsets I have seen so many

There is something to a sunset.  Today I got everything prepared as far as doing wash and all those things.  I have been wishing to find the time where you can just sink within words and create something.  Tomorrow I head to the hospital, as it’s my first day I believe it shall start three times a day for just a few hours.  Seemingly, I have lost that enthusiasm with things right now.  I look forward to tomorrow but I can honestly say that I do miss some of the things especially during this time of the year.  Tomorrow is another step within this cadence thing, which I have done, and all goes well – but I admit that for some reason I don’t feel that enthused with much of anything right now.  After yesterday in speaking with some friends, I thought that I should already be done with what I set out to do and I do wish to head back to the city.  I have covered much ground within the last few months and here I am about to embark on something very good and today was just going through the rituals of an ordinary day.

Then right after supper, I looked out and I couldn’t resist getting a picture.  I would suppose that I have made out well here and within a manner, I do feel isolated, as I have never lived in this small of a town.  There really is no one within my age to meet with and there are times you do feel alone.  I hope that all shall go well tomorrow and I am not anticipating anything.  I pretty much know what I shall be doing basically yet I feel like I am not apart of the groups which are afforded within a city.  I guess sometimes you just have to work it out for yourself.  I suppose that I have been thinking about all that I am away from as it is really that way. Then on the other side, I think of what can become.  Yet all is within a return to a life stream where I am back within my own place.  I am sure that anyone would feel that way as I did come here by my own choice yet I do feel like the odd one out.  I hope that I will be able to look back

at this duration and understand how short a period of time it was.  As right now, the days go by very fast – because I am being innovative.  There are things within life that everyone has to face.  Perhaps after this all there shall be a new journey – but I do have to tell you that there are introverts and there are extroverts and I do enjoy my own self time yet – I loved meeting people and having those ties with the friends which I have.

I look forward to tomorrow but I really wish that June would be here like yesterday at times.  My hopes are that tomorrow this position within the hospital shall be one where I meet some new p

eople.  Don’t get me wrong but I miss the university and all the things, which came along with the city. 

 

Yet I know that I am in much better health than before. I am progressive but it really has been mostly due to my own self. I can honestly say that yet today I was thinking of the entire picture.  

 

Sometimes you just have to allow destiny to take its course yet I have been so used to being in control of what I do and how I do things.  As for the last week, I have been exercising patience.

 

Easter is Coming From Doug

In just arriving on I try to get to those after I post something and this is the most sensational utube that I have seen. Doug has been a great freind for several years and although Easter is now past. I found there was depth within what he posted before Easter had come. One does have to play it all the way through as there is is much within this. I truly is sensational to read and listen to and where Doug got this I have no clue but it's Amazing!

Link

 

A Mellow Sunday

For Easter, it was a nice day taken all into consideration.  They said the town is closed down aside of churches – one thing is - this town does very well come to a complete or nearly silent place.  There were predictions of snow over last night yet it never arrived here.  Mind you, it was cool and windy.  When you look outside and then dress according to what you see – it’s a surprise once you’re out there and realize that although there may not be any snow – it’s windy and cool.  I fiddled with this Samsung Smart Phone or I Phone, I cannot say I have an eye for it perfectly nor am I the smartest in setting up these smart applications.  I could be that I don’t have an eye or the smarts yet it is fun.  I tried to type in addresses and phone numbers and here I had launched some multimedia joke of the day.  Yet on the touch pad, I have yet to find it as the screen moves horizontally and vertically and that is a mind trip.

Everyplace was closed for business.  The last time I remember everything being closed was when I was 17 in a town 4 times larger at a population of 13,000 thousand and nearly everything was closed in observance of Easter.  However, today this place felt like it was frozen in time.  I will admit that I love the weekends within a city where one can take in museums, theatre, and so much more but as for the weekdays I don’t mind small towns at all.  That all said I literally walked around town.  I have never seen it where nearly everything shuts down. 

I must have made ten calls, which included, family, friends in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Florida, and New York. My last call was with my older brother Blaine and we talked for half an hour.  We got into a discussion on the revival of so many music groups.  I can’t say I had attended any masses.  As it has, has nothing to do with religion.  I believe that one can have a faith without a necessity of attending church.  An old veteran lives across the street.  I came to know him while we had a winter storm back one month ago and I offered to shovel his driveway.  I had not spoke nor seen him for the last two weeks so I went over and spoke with him and his wife for twenty minutes and then I was off to the sky trail - just to take it in.  I had a pleasant conversation with him and then took off for late afternoon walk.

 

I placed a picture here, which I took within the afternoon,

it’s starting to get warmer in a gradual manner. 

Yet when one is out there, I can understand why the natives or aboriginal people

came to render the lands as apart of their religion as there is a connection or centeredness

when you are taking that time out and taking it all in.

 

Happy Easter

 

Not within the material sense but more so within the spirtual sense.

 

 

I have arrived on here much too late I thought before I closed this out to wish those from all corridors within this world a tremendous Easter. To my Italian friends: Sono arrivato qui molto troppo tardi ho pensato prima chiuso per augurare a quelli provenienti da tutti i corridoi all'interno di questo mondo a Pasqua tremendo. To My Hungarian Friends: Van megérkeztem itt sokkal túl későn gondolkodás előtt én lezárták ez hoz kívánság származó összes folyosók ebben a világban, a hatalmas Húsvét belül. To My Spanish Friends: He llegado aquí mucho demasiado tarde pensé antes de esto cerró a los de todos los pasillos dentro de este mundo un tremendo Pascua desear a. To Two Good friends which speak Japanese 私はここにも到着してこれからすべての廊下でこの世界の驚異的なイースターしたい私を閉じる前にも思った。 And one other وقد وصل هنا كثير متأخر جداً اعتقدت قبل أغلقت هذا أتمنى من جميع الممرات داخل هذا العالم عيد الفصح هائلة. Yes the universal language of the world is English, yet I never preach in what I believe although I am was raised a Christian and do observe it. Thus this is a Small tweet of a thought in good taste which goes out to those regardless of where they are.

"Of good fortune is the friends that one comes to realize, as there is a connect which is with an understanding." I thougth I would mention in regards to my last post as the manner of which one writes is not to create dissention but rather place views which may tend to create questions. Yet as within life there is no perfects yet there are tremendous views from many which I tend to find that one does learn more within the variety.

You would have Thunk

Its' as simple as this, Canada has oil, the U.S. needs oil.  You’d think it would be easy from there.

On Friday the U.S. President released a formal finding that there was enough available oil in the world to allow western countries to mount a boycott of Iranian oil, as a means of dissuading Tehran from pursuing its nuclear ambitions.  It was a crucial ruling and a close-run thing. If western countries truly desire to place the squeeze on Iran’s ruling parties, as they have repeatedly said you would think in turn they would be able to make the decision to cut off from the accepted oil exports from Iran.  Yet not the case.  The manner I see this is a very mishandled campaign could just push prices higher, which in turn helps Tehran more than it would hurt.  On the other hand, it could lead to a slowdown in the West just as the U.S. appears to be crawling out of its recession.  The decision depends to a large degree on an assessment of Saudi Arabia’s ability to make up for displaced Iranian oil.  The White House believes the Saudis have the capacity, yet no one really is sure of that.  Here is Obama, racking his brain for a way out of the country’s persistent oil dilemma, and next to him is Stephen Harper, who’s dripping in the stuff and eager to sell.

·         Harper: Mr. President, can we discuss the Keystone XL pipeline issue for a moment?

·         Obama: Not now Stephen, if you don’t mind.  I have to figure out this oil supply mess.

The pipeline decision was delayed until after the presidential election so Obama wouldn’t have to offend his environmental supporters while he seeks re-election.  Leaders make decisions and I feel that one that I admire has pulled a whammy.  None of the excuses offered for the delay holds water.  The chosen route for the project through a valuable aquifer was no great threat, the project had passed crucial safety tests, and the area is already criss crossed by a large network of other pipelines.  It was all about politics.  However, the result of the decisions is the quandary now facing the president is that the U.S. needs oil one way or another.  Whatever the long-range attractions of reducing dependency on fossil fuels, the world is not going to switch to befouls and solar power overnight and a secure supply of oil will remain crucial for decades to come.  The source of that fuel is critical to the U.S.  The problem with Iran exemplifies and demonstrates that within the absence of a friendly, secure, reliable supplier.  Washington is forced to look to places like Saudi Arabia.  After Canada and Mexico, the top suppliers to the U.S. are Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Nigeria, Angola, and Iraq.  Coupled to that is not one real democracy in the lot, all of them with serious political and stability issues.  In addition, none of them right next door.

Canada, on the other hand, is just across the border, is a close friend and ally of the U.S., and is both ready and eager to ensure a reliable increase in supply.  However, Washington’s willingness to play games with the Keystone project has only served to increase Ottawa’s awareness of the need to find other customers. As Prime Minister Harper stated, “Look, I’m a strong and firm believer in the economic importance of our relationship, the security importance, and the importance of the United States and the world.”  Harper told an audience at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.  “But we cannot take this to the point where we are creating risk and significant economic penalty to the Canadian economy.”  And to not diversify to Asia, when Asia is a growing part of the world, just simply makes no sense.”  Prime Minister Harper noted that in years past Canada has been willing to tie itself to the U.S. market.  However, the Keystone decision demonstrated the danger of this in two ways: the price of Canadian oil suffers because Canada is seen as a “captive supplier” to the U.S. and Canada’s economic health is put in jeopardy by the fact that the U.S. could some day stop importing the oil.  Unfortunately, Obama could have avoided all this by accepting the self-evident benefit to the U.S. of getting Keystone built as quickly as possible.  Instead, he has to juggle Saudi capacity against Iranian sanctions, and the long-term implications of a risky sanctions plan that could blow up in the face of its supporters.

Relying on his friends in Canada would have been so much easier, but rather the price of a campaign is much more important – yet they don’t mention this within the news.  I find that there is an injustice which is kept hidden underground (pardon the pun).  So often and meanwhile what has hit the papers is sanctions on Iran just which is off the press, go figure.

 

More than Words

A picture can mean more than a thousand words. As within a picture, there are the captures, which much like a painter.  Within my experience with some people which I have only known within a picture club online it’s a area which one can come to know another in what they do take pictures of as well as there are those times which you do come to understand the person behind the lens. These pictures are not that of my own they are from a friend, which had sent them to me.  I thought I would share them. 

As each one of these, do go beyond words.