Surviving Christmas

I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize for not blogging as much I did previously. It's been really tough this past month. Merle Haggard once sang "If we make it through December, everything's gonna be alright I know." Well the Hag knew what he was talking about. The reason I've been so busy is these days I'm working two jobs, just moved out and trying to get through Christmas without breaking the budget. I just got back from doing some groceries and I figured I'd let everyone know how I'm doing while my pizza's in the oven. Things are going great. The new place is fantastic, though I really haven't had much time to get rid of some of the boxes so I could invite a few folks over to check it out. It's crazy, there's a big storm set to hit Toronto tonight. They're saying the biggest in years...are we ready? The only way I get through times like these is music. I've recently been listening to Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour on XM Satellite radio. He picks a theme every week and plays songs regarding that theme. The one I've been listening to this week is Summer. There are some great obscure artists he plays that some of us would never have heard of. It's really worth a listen. Anyways, things are well. I'll keep you all posted. Hope you're hanging in there. Merry Christmas everyone.

Unknown Legend

Sick To Death Of Being Taxed To Death

I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize for not blogging the way I said I would. Things have been pretty crazy this past while. Two jobs doesn't give you a lot of "you" time. It could be that or it could be the fact that me ranting constantly on and on about how our governments are screwing us is simply falling upon deaf ears. It's evident that people will vote the way they feel and there's nothing any of us can really do about it. In the past provincial election voters decided to vote for a liar, who has not held his part of the bargain instead of a man who seemed quite genuine in his beliefs and stuck with them. It just goes to show you, people would rather vote for the devil they know than the devil they don't know...and that's unfortunate. There are a lot of individuals who try to make places better to live but continue to be shut down because people vote for the familiar face. That's why I've decided I can't live in Toronto any longer. Don't get me wrong, Toronto will always be home. It's where I was born, learned to drive, fell in love among other things, but it's just not the same. It's evident with the re-election of David Miler a while back that Torontonians are not ready to move forward, they want to move backwards. Well, you got what you wanted Toronto. Congrats, now hard working people are going to have to pay 60 dollars more a year to drive a car in Toronto (on top of the 75 we already pay) and it's going to be harder to buy a house with the property tax increase. Miller has even looked to throw in a alcohol tax but finally realized it wouldn't work because people could simply drive to Mississauga to buy alcohol and avoid the tax. Democracy??? Sure, whatever you say. I have no faith in the voters of Ontario. You've all let me down again.

Unknown Legend

Blood In, Blood Out

I remember being young, thinking I was 10 feet tall and bulletproof. Young people think they're immune to anything, nothing can harm them but that isn't true. I pretty much had an epiphany today. I had a few tests done at the doctor's office. Now, I usually have a pretty good breakfast to start the day for the most part. However, I figured I'd run to the doctor's, come back and eat. Well, I had no idea he wanted me to do some blood work today. Anyways, the blood lady couldn't seem to find veins in either of my arms. When she finally did, she had to take blood out of both. All of a sudden I started to feel really dizzy and felt like throwing up. When I awoke, I saw the lady's face but I didn't recognize her. I had passed out. In my 30 years on this earth I had never passed out from anything before in my life. Which proves my point, when we're young we think we're unstoppable. Even up until today I thought I could take on the world. It takes a split second for us to realize that we're all just dust in the wind. Pretty scary isn't it? Yeah, I didn't mean the Kansas song.

Unknown Legend out

Sometimes I Wonder...

I'm sitting here this morning thinking...exactly what am I doing? I've been left feeling very discouraged lately. Seems like I'm not moving forward but only standing still. This really isn't how I pictured myself at this stage in my life. I have chosen a career most would think of calling suicide. It's been very difficult and very frustrating day in day out. I'm tired of waiting for that big break. I've worked very hard to get to where I am...but where exactly am I? Sometimes when I'm sitting alone I get to thinking and I wonder if it'll get any better. Maybe I should stop trying to live this pipe dream and get something that'll put food on the table and give me a steady life. I'm feeling more and more like an out of work actor. I feel worthless today. Sometimes I wonder, why bother?

Unknown Legend

Turn And Face The Strange

It has been said many times in book and in song but never so profoundly. All good things must come to an end. Friday will be known as and end of an era, the last of the great buffalo. Two major changes David Bowie would have a hard time swallowing. First, my tenure at AM 640 will end. It has been a great run but with all, a man must step aside and let another take his place. I have been showing the new guy the ropes. He'll do fine. As for me, well, I don't know where I'll be. This exit leaves a large gap in my daily existence. You see, this place has been home to me for the past little while and it feels as though I'm leaving my extended family. I will miss them all. Another door has been opened, one of a new fresh start but where will it lead? There has to be something beyond that horizon. My second departure is from my current place of employment. I am not leaving the company but simply changing locations. This though is also a huge step. Starting anew, wide eyed and bushy tailed as opposed to the cynical mess I have become. Changes all around me. Monday will be a new feeling all over again. The butterflies will come as they are known to do during these times. I wonder if that's how the earth feels. After all, the Ontario winter winds are not too far behind. Does our earth feel butterflies of change when the new weather nears? I will keep you posted on my whereabouts.

Unknown Legend

"Someday A Real Rain Will Come And Wash All This Scum Off The Streets"

Have you ever seen Taxi Driver? You know, the legendary movie that starred Bobby De Niro as Travis Bickle. Well, I've been feeling like ole Travis these days. No I don't want to drive hack but for those who haven't seen Taxi Driver it's not a good thing. I was driving down Queen Street last night I couldn't help but notice all the garbage and filth that has littered our streets, and I don't mean the garbage you think I mean. Junkies, hookers, crazies, you name it. Toronto has become disgusting to look at. That's at night. Today I was walking down Yonge Street in the middle of the afternoon and everywhere I looked I saw a freakin' crackhead. I think it's time we take a hard long look at what Toronto has become. I recently ran into an old friend of mine. I wondered why I hadn't seen him around town in a while, he told me he'd moved to Richmond Hill with his wife. They'd bought a new house and started their life over. He went on to tell me he was planning on having some children in the near future and there was no way in hell he was raising his kids in Toronto. It wasn't safe. It's not safe. It hasn't been safe in a while. I remember growing up and not having to worry if someone was going to come to my school with a shotgun and blow our heads off. Not that it only happens in Toronto mind you, but the other day a 13 year old kid brought a stun gun to school. Not just any stun gun, a 200,000 volt weapon, 4 times as powerful as the ones police officers carry. So where do we go from here? Who is at fault here? Parents? Have we as a society failed these people? I don't know. Ask David Miller, he seems to have all the answers, or was it Dalton McGuinty? I forgot.

Unknown Legend

Am I Missing Something?

I've always been somewhat of a fan of celebrity. Not the typical Brad and Angelina garbage you see on t.v. I'm talking about people who have done something to become famous not become famous because they're good looking or rich. I have met many famous people in my life. Gordon Lightfoot, Ian Tyson, Joe Flaherty. I was even friends with Corey Haim for the longest time. The list goes on and on but there is one person who I never met, who became very famous and I can't for the life of me understand why. The late Princess Diana. What on earth was it that made the whole world stop and watch this lady stroll up and down through war torn countries? Is it because she was a normal girl who married into royalty? Is that every woman's fantasy? I have a dislike for the royal family as a whole. Just because a bunch of people have money doesn't mean a whole lot in my books. Wouldn't it be nice if all of us could sit on our asses and do jack all day and be respected by so many Brits...but I digress. It's the 10 year anniversary of Diana's death and people everywhere are lighting candles and placing flowers in her name. When did Diana become a saint? In my opinion Diana's fame brought on the likes of paparazzi favourites Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan. Just to name a few. She began our tabloid love affair with the rich and famous. If there's anything she's to be remembered for...it's that.

Unknown Legend

Enough With The Political Correctness

I've never been a big fan of political correctness, in fact I think it's one of the reasons this world (or at least North America) is in the shape that it's in. So let's take today's story for a second. The Texas Rangers set a Major League Baseball record last night. For the first time in 110 years a team has scored 30 runs. The Rangers in fact beat the Baltimore Orioles last night 30-3. For all you non baseball fans, trust me, they pretty much demolished the Orioles. Ok, to make things clearer, the Rangers ended up with more runs (30) than outs (27 = 3 outs every inning for nine innings) Now, many politically correct individuals will tell you that there should be a mercy rule in effect so that play is stopped after a certain amount of runs are scored or that the team scoring all the runs should lighten up on the opposing team. Guys like Don Cherry and the likes will tell you it's "good sportsmanship"to do that...hogwash! Sometimes in life things don't necessarily go the way you wanted them to. There are disappointments. How can we expect our children to learn that life isn't always easy when they're getting destroyed in a softball or t-ball game and one of the teams is told not to try so hard? Not to try so hard? I don't know about you but I was always taught to go hard or go home. So the Orioles got their asses handed to them last night (twice actually), I'm sure they thought long and hard about how poorly they played but you know what, they have to do it all over again today with another team. They have to refocus and go out and play their hearts out. Reminds me of a song from a while back by Chumbawamba. It went, "I get knocked down but I get up again you're never gonna keep me down" just like in life you may get bruised but never beaten.

Unknown Legend

Waxing Nostalgia

It's only days away. The end of summer, well not exactly, but the symbol to the end of summer...the grand old lady...The Canadian National Exhibition. The Ex is a symbol of some of the better times in my life. The years I played in a marching band during the Warrior's Day Parade, the year Manny and I tried to pick up two young ladies sitting in chairs near us, the year Mike won a video game by throwing a football, the time I met my cousin's future husband Dave. Or how about when PC cola was 25 cents or when I beat Mike to become the champion at whack-a-mole (a title he has since regained), the concerts I've seen or even those great gourmet lollipops. There has been talk about putting an end to the Ex. People say it's not as fun as it used to be. Well ladies and gentlemen, things have changed and the Ex has changed with the times. Although, I still love walking through the midway or simply taking a stroll through the many buildings that have brought so many smiles to children's faces I miss those cable cars that my dad used to take me on that took us all the way across to the other side of the Ex. I will walking down those same streets on Saturday, the ones I have many times before. Or should I say marching, you see I will be playing during the Warrior's Day Parade. If that's not enough reason to come hey, April Wine is playing a free show Saturday night. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Unknown Legend

Sometimes You Gotta Fight When You're A Man

There's a quote that Kenny Rogers once made famous a while back. No, it's not "you gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em." Although, that is a good one. The one I'm thinking of is "Sometimes you gotta fight when you're a man." A lot of people have been telling me I should control my temper because it's gonna get me in trouble one day, and maybe so. However, there are situations where one should stand up for what they believe in. If your significant other was being thrashed would you stand by and let it happen? No. So I cracked a smile this evening as I was listening to the Jays game in the back room at work. The reason behind it? Jays pitcher Josh Towers hit Alex Rodriguez in the leg. It was warranted. A while back Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) distracted 3rd baseman Howie Clark as he was rounding the bag which led to Clark dropping the pop up. That's classless. So the pitcher who's been struggling all season had to be the one to save face for the leaderless Jays.

Towers has been controversial all season. He was put in the starting rotation where he's struggled on and off all year. Not only that, but he openly criticized coach John Gibbons and the whole coaching staff as well as his teammates for not putting in 100 percent on the field. Although I wasn't the biggest fan of Josh Towers previously I am very proud of the young man tonight. He showed a lot of character by taking initiative and throwing at A-Rod and clearing the benches. On a team that seems to be short on leadership a young man has claimed the spot. Doc, Vernon and even guys like Frank Thomas have dropped the leadership ball. These are the guys who are supposed to step up and carry the team on their shoulders but they haven't done it this season and it's evident with Towers being the one who has to take things into his own hands. Bravo young man, you did us proud tonight.

Unknown Legend

755 And So On

How will he be remembered? I find myself asking that question a lot. In a time where heroes are not what they seem we have a man about to become baseball's greatest home run hitter who is anything but honest. It's been an interesting few weeks in baseball. We have seen Mr. Bonds come to within one homer of tying Henry Aaron's all time home run record. We've also seen the great Hank Aaron tell the media he is not interested in attending any celebrations if and when Barry Bonds does break his record. Maybe it's Aaron snubbing Bonds or maybe he just continues to do it with the class that he always had. You see, when Aaron passed the Babe's home run record he downplayed it to the best of his ability. Class all the way. This past week also saw two greats get inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. The great Tony Gwynn and Orioles shortstop Cal Ripkin Jr. Two men the likes Major League Baseball will never see again. With more and more players being accused of steroid use everyday there's no wonder it seems the great game has deteriorated so. Barry is not the only one trying to make history tonight. Tom Glavine is on the mound tonight hoping to pick up the 300th win of his career and A-Rod is looking to hit home run number 500. Making him the youngest player to ever reach that mark. However, there just seems to be something missing. Glavine has always been a great pitcher and he's been around since the beginning of time so he's one of the good guys. A-Rod can be a punk but boy can that guy hit. There is no doubt Bonds will break Aaron's record...whether it will happen tonight or not that's yet to be decided. You see, San Fran would rather Bonds hit it at home instead of in L.A. where Barry's loathed. If justice prevails, he will hit it in Los Angeles and the crowd will boo. So he'll break the record, then A-Rod will follow and he'll break Bonds' record and who knows, maybe even Albert Pujols after him. However, the blame for the steriod conspiracy and the fact that Barry has a chance to break Aaron's record rests solely on the shoulders of MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. He's the guy who did nothing when guys were running around hitting the roids. No tests, nothing. Now he has the balls to say he is not going to attend Bonds' record breaking homer (which he has since retracted) In a time where heroes are quickly disappearing, we can only look to the skies. A banner in Philly recently greeted Barry Bonds:

"The Babe did it with hot dogs and beer, Hank Aaron did it with class. How did you do it?"

Indeed. Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?

Unknown Legend

The Summer Of Death

Well, it was bound to happen. 2 years ago in our lovely city for all those who live outside the 416 and 905 we had what was classified as the Year of the Gun. The numbers were staggering. By the same time 2 years ago Toronto saw 205 people hit with bullets. The politicians will tell you this year is a tame year compared to 2005 because we've only seen 122 shooting victims. However, the number of people killed in shootings this year surpasses 2005's mark. 23 deaths this year compared to 20 in the Year of the Gun. The latest, 11 year old Ephraim Brown who was sitting on a fence at a friend's birthday party when a stray bullet hit him in the neck, killing him. So this is where you expect the leaders of our city, province and country to stand up and say "Enough is enough" right? However, it seems to have become and finger pointing parade as to who is responsible for the violence in our city. Mayor Miller and Attorney General Michael Bryant seem to believe this is a handgun issue and are asking the federal government to ban handguns. Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. You ban legal handguns, and I'm sure the guns the criminals are using are legal right? Come on! Again, these guys are so out of touch they have absolutely no clue where to begin. Where you begin is where they are afraid to begin. Let's take a look at where the problem is coming from. Handguns? Partly. Borders to the United States should monitored more closely to make sure illegal handguns are not coming over the border. This however is the main reason. The problem is that within the Jamaican community there are certain gangs that are making it difficult for residents of Toronto to live in the city they love. That's the main reason. Now, I have a lot of Jamaican friends don't get me wrong here, Jamaican people are fantastic folks however, in Jamaica there are a number of gangs and somehow they are making their way into Toronto and causing the gun violence. Not only that, our laws have to be tougher. Criminals should not be getting bail and being freed after shooting someone. One of the guys who killed young Ephraim Brown was charged with attempted murder of a 4 year old just two years ago. So, he was charged with attempted murder and released to strike violence again...just two years ago?! The federal government and the provincial government are at fault for not stiffening sentences however, Miller is so afraid to stay politically correct that he can't even admit the problem. He will not say it's a Jamaican gang issue because he is afraid of the backlash. But, isn't that what a leader should do. Stand up and say what's right even if he knows it's not the popular thing to do...yes but then again, I could have told you about Miller just 3 and a half years ago...if only you listened Toronto.

Unknown Legend

Ta(n)x But No Ta(n)x

I could write their names a million times on this page and you still wouldn't know who they were, but sometimes out of the darkness there comes a hero and in some cases two who stand up for something they believe in and save the day. There are two such heroes in Toronto today. Sure they're not sports figures or individuals who have started programs for unemployed youth but that's not the point. Their names are Brian Ashton and Suzan Hall...and like many before them they will be punished for their beliefs. It looked bad, Mayor David Miller had his whole council brainwashed into believing it would be beneficial to the city of Toronto to add a land transfer tax (to people buying new homes) and a new 60 dollar vehicle registration fee. In the 3 1/2 years this man has been in power of this democratic dictatorship (if that's what you want to call it) he has never lost a vote on a key issue...until last night. I sat at the radio station watching the television wonder what would become of my city if this tax got passed. Everyone knew it was inevitable. Miller had the majority of his colleagues behind him, or so we thought. The question was whether the new taxes should be implemented or would the decision be put on hold till October 22 when the provincial election would take place (on October 10) In an amazing turn of events Miller and his followers lost 23-22. It was like something out of a fairytale and the reason behind it all...Councilors Brian Ashton and Suzan Hall, Mayor Miller's followers. If I know Miller like I think I know Miller he will make their lives a living hell. He has to councilor Rob Ford and Doug Holyday. In an age where people are afraid to speak their minds it's refreshing to see these councilors do the right thing. I wish I could say the same for my councilor Gloria Lindsay Luby. Who in all honesty isn't really my councilor cause I didn't vote for her and she really hasn't done anything for my area. People, we are being taxed to death here. Why don't Miller and his sheep take a pay hike? Well, they don't want it to come out of their pockets. They keep complaining Toronto has no money (the biggest city in Canada no money?) yet Miller just renovated his office for 2 million dollars. Hmmmm?!!? There are two problems here:
1) Toronto councilors spend a lot of money and then complain there is no money for the city...so how bout not spending money willy nilly.

2) Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty gave Miller and his crew the power to tax us when they wanted under the new City of Toronto Act...so remember this come October 10.

Here is a list of those who voted, remember who your councilors are so you can vote them out next time around:

THOSE WHO KILLED THE IMPOSITION OF THE NEW TAX

1. Brian Ashton
2. Maria Augimeri
3. Mike Del Grande
4. Mike Feldman
5. Rob Ford
6. Mark Grimes
7. Suzan Hall
8. Doug Holyday
9. Cliff Jenkins
10. Chin Lee
11. Peter Milczyn
12. Denzl Minnan-Wong
13. Ron Moeser
14. Francis Nunziata
15. Case Oates
16. Cesar Palacio
17. John Parker
18. Anthony Perruzza
19. Bill Saundercook
20. David Shiner
21. Karen Stinz
22. Michael Thompson
23. Michael Walker

THOSE WHO WANT TO TAX US TO DEATH

1. Paul Ainslie
2. Sandra Bussin
3. Shelley Carroll
4. Raymond Cho
5. Janet Davis
6. Glen De Baeremaeker
7. Frank Di Giorgio
8. John Filion
9. Paula Fletcher
10. Adam Giambrone
11. Adrian Heaps
12. Norm Kelly
13. Gloria Lindsay Luby
14. Giorgio Mammoliti
15. Pam McConnell
16. Joe Mihevc
17. David Miller
18. Howard Moscoe
19. Joe Pantalone
20. Gord Perks
21. Kyle Rae
22. Adam Vaughan

The Fall Of A Giant

Not only Toronto but the world lost a great man this week, one of which we will not see for many a year. "Honest" Ed Mirvish, the man who brought theatre to Toronto passed away at the age of 92. Many will remember him for his discount store on the corner of Bloor and Bathurst, but it was more than simply a discount store. Many immigrants who began their lives in Toronto, who came here with not a dime to their name shopped at Honest Ed's. It was a place where they could buy bowls and dishes for under a dollar, and for that they will be eternally grateful. He was a man who wanted everyone to be able to live with dignity and decency. I remember being a little guy and my mom taking me to this huge store on the corner of Bloor and Bathurst with what seemed to be a million lightbulbs. I was in awe. I remember my brother and I running up and down the stairs of the huge store, getting lost and eventually meeting up in the toy section. For me, Ed had a special spot. Still, that's only one story of many the man gave us. How about how he saved the Royal Alexandra Theatre in 1963 from demolition then brought us the musicals The Lion King, Les Miserables and so many more. Or how about the phenomenal birthday party he used to throw for himself ever year and invite everyone in Toronto to. My favourite however, would have to be where every Christmas he would give out free turkeys to whoever wanted to come by his store. You see, he understood what it was like not to have a lot. His immigrant parents came here with nothing and after his father died Ed had to drop out of school at the age of 15 to help his mother with the family grocery store.

In a world where businessmen walk over anyone and everyone to make it to the top, it was refreshing to see a man come from rags to riches only to give it all back to the people he loved. The lightbulbs on his discount store will be out for a few days and the music that plays in the hallways will be silenced. He used to have some great slogans on his store. One I remember was "Honest Ed is for the birds, his prices are cheap...cheap...cheap." If they were ever to put a new one up I found this idea from someone to be quite amazing: "Ed may be up in heaven, but his prices are still down to earth." I figured he would have liked that.

I think I need to stop by Honest Ed's this week.

Unknown Legend

The Buck Stops Here

The disappointment started about a week back. The dreaded sign in front of the Tim Hortons cash register which read "Effective July 9 2007, we will be raising our prices in order to stay competitive." My heart sank. This was it, this was the last straw. I'm a big coffee drinker, and when I mean big I don't mean I drink 2 cups a day. There are days I can have about 5 cups in my system before the noon hour comes along. So as you can probably tell, I did not take too kindly to this increase. I haven't popped by a Hortons since the robbery began, but from what I've heard large double-doubles are increasing from 1.40 to 1.47. Seven cents. For a cup of coffee? Yes it's true, you can pay up to a few bucks for a Starbuck's coffee but why would you want to? It's coffee. You know what coffee is? Beans and water. My problem really is the fact that Hortons wants us to believe they can't stay competitive without a rise in prices. That's absolute nonsense. If anybody should be raising prices it should companies like Coffee Time. Yes our American friends, their coffee tastes like soap and they're closing more than opening these days. Hortons is the biggest coffee chain in Canada. Instead of closing down, more and more are popping up as I'm writing this blog.

Well, the buck stops here...literally. Tim Hortons will not be getting my money. Unfortunately, you lost me when you tried to scam a loyal coffee drinker. Maybe it'll be good for me. I can finally begin to cut down on my coffee intake...oh wait, there's always McDonald's.

Unknown Legend

I Taught Myself How To Grow Old

I've come to a realization within the past few weeks...I'm old. Well, at least I'm getting old. I think it really hit me when I was in Ottawa this past weekend. Young kids in their 20's running around, getting drunk as if the whole Canada Day celebration was spring break. When did it become that? Maybe it's always been that way but now I'm just so old it's easier to notice it or is it simply just a state of mind? Is it possible that I'm in a space these days where I simply want to get a good job and settle down with a family? Well, I still like to have a few drinks but getting rowdy and smashing beer bottles over our heads just isn't an option these days. The big 3-0 is just around the corner and I can't even remember where the years went. It's been a decade plus 2 years now since I finished high school. Where on earth does the time go?

Ryan Adams once said, "Where we are flesh and blood by the next one we are dust under the wheels."

Scary isn't it?

Canada The Great?

I'm heading to Ottawa with Jenn and the boys for a Canada Day weekend blast. However, I got to thinking the other day. We celebrate how great this country is, but on some points we haven't come as far as we should. Our justice system is a joke. I was reading an article the other day about a Japanese lady who came to Canada about 20 years ago and started her own little bar/coffee shop. She was so thankful to Canada for giving her the life she always wanted, but then a strange incident happened. She was hit by a driver who got out of his car, checked to see if there was any damage done to his automobile, and drove off. Leaving the elderly Japanese woman on the street to die. What was his sentence you ask? A 90 dollar fine. A 90 dollar fine? Have we lost our minds? To this day she (even shockingly to me) still thanks this "wonderful" country for giving her the chance to be who she wanted to be. As a Canadian born in this country I am disgusted that we have let it come to this. Don't you think we could do a little better?

Though it's not as bad as in some countries where they are persecuted for their beliefs, the gay community still gets knocked around quite a bit. Yeah, it was nice being at the pride parade this past weekend and seeing everyone celebrating so proudly from all over the world but the haters are still out there. I'm proud Canada has come so far in realizing that everyone in this world has the right to love another person. Is it wrong to love? I was raised in a Catholic household, where we were told to "love everyone" but when it came time for me to question why being gay was wrong all of a sudden I was a bad Catholic for questioning my religion. Odd. I may be going off on a tangent here still I think we're doing better than most but we have a long way to go. Our home and native land indeed.

From a guy who's straight but not narrow...Happy Canada Day