The day the music died

Being a Canadian, through and through, I'm definitely not promoting America or trying to push music onto anyone, but ever wonder what the words meant in American Pie by Don McLean?
I'm sure everyone at some point in their life have sung or boisterously joined others in singing this famous tribute. What most probably don't realize, though, is how many events, movements, and history inspired this song. It's really quite fascinating.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ycgegp0KdE4

Another awesome follow up to the video, of Tommy Allsup explaining in detail, the tragic night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r4_8pjJPxo

Another scary tale of "Woah"!

Well that was quick! (It almost seems, a response to my earlier blog)

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/08/10/port-north.html?ref=rss


I'm impressed that Harper is taking somewhat quick action on trying to stake our claim, however, what's disheartening about the whole issue, is that they're not doing it for the reasons we wish they were. As with the outlying parties interested, it's all about money, and potential money. Can we as concerned citizens do anything to protect our little piece of environment? Keep it from being raped and pillaged? Wouldn't that warm the cockles of our hearts, to think that our country's PM had conservation in the works? Personally, I think our cockles shall remain "as cold as ice"!

Is Canada Too N"ice"?

I am not a journalist, a scientist, or a conspiracy theorist, however, as a Canadian citizen who is fiercely loyal to this beautiful country, I am deeply concerned with the contents of these two articles (below)I read on our Arctic Northwest Passage.
As part of Harper's 2006 campaign promise, he pledged to defend Canada's Arctic sovereignty, yet in reading the most recent article, I find that Canada has been, as usual, rather unprogressive in establishing our jurisdiction on our Canadian passageway.
It states that: "Russia, is currently trying to extend its 200 nautical mile limit almost up to the Pole itself, to claim the vast mineral and energy resources many feel lie underneath the Arctic ice. To plant an actual Russian flag, in a titanium capsule, at the base of the North Pole, 4,200 meters below sea level." Sounding a little scary yet?
"The Canadian government says the jurisdiction is clear — they're Canadian waters. But the U.S. and some other countries, especially now Russia, don't agree. They see the Northwest Passage as an international strait that any ship should be free to transit. And increasingly, they are seeing the Arctic seabed as a resource to be carved up among certain northern nations."
Now, to illustrate why International corporations would be interested, the second article explains the rate in which the Arctic ice is melting. Scientists from Environment Canada are showing the ice to be melting by 70,000 sq km/year, which is equivalent of Lake Superior!
It is a fact, that worldwide corporations have recently invested billions of dollars in ice navigating ships.
Our foreign minister, does not seem to be too concerned with these little tidbits, and I am left to wonder, if we/they are going to wake up any time soon, and loudly state our dominion and blatantly leave our scent on this precious territory to protect it and ourselves, before it can be left for International interpretation.
To quote from our National Anthem, as did one of the articles:
"The true north strong and free"
......lets hope so.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/cdnmilitary/arctic.html
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/northwest-passage/

Just a tad bit green

Now that I can feebly navigate my way around this blogger thing, I will definitely read over my posts, before "pressing the button". I will also check my spelling & grammar with what little skill I possess in those subjects, and I have no idea if I'll have any readers, but if so, I fully encourage any comments or critiques.

Sailing without the "sheets"

As sad as it is to admit it; I have lived a stones throw away, from the Pacific Ocean for a little over 17yrs, and until yesterday, had never gone sailing! *hangs her head in shame*

I have done many other sports/activities on & around the ocean, but never specifically sailing.

To clarify, I'm not known for being a girly-girl, not that there's anything wrong with that, however, I was unsure on what to wear. The forecast showed a 28C for the early evening, with no chance of rain. Now, even in the best of summer's, my skin does not normally darken past the ivory hue of vampire flesh, so I really was a little concerned on attire. I had my lotion, my hat & sunglasses, and ended up deciding on a light beige pair of capri's and a white cotton T. There was also the issue of leg shaving, so thought it best to leave the shorts and/or bathing suit at home. MISTAKE! I think we all shed about 5Lb's before even leaving the docks - it was a SCORCHER! Thank god, I had the foresight to bring beer & ice.

The company was absolutely perfect (my Mom), our host & captain of the vessel was engaging, full of stories, humorous, appreciative of our beautiful habitat, graciously informed us on surrounding islands, folklore, nautical terms & descriptions, and some of his own family members & background. His baby is a 1982 Catalina 27' which he has owned for about 15 years, and couldn't be more in love. He does however, share her with his wife, as often as their life allows it. He is retired, per se, and partners in a landscaping business on one of the local islands, which puts a smile on his face, most times than naught. He explains that one of the enjoyments of doing this, over the 38yr career he had, is that he can leave this venture whenever he chooses. For the time being though, he is still enjoying what he does.

Interestingly enough, he has done jobs for a few well-known names: one being Robert Bateman, who according to our seafarer, is one of the most down to earth, kindest people he's had the pleasure of meeting. (Who also is one of my personal heroes - artist/conservationist/human rights defender/naturalist/environmentalist/you get the idea-ist)

To get back to the original concept of this post, the sailing was amazing to me for all of the enjoyment factors of being on the ocean on a beautiful day, exploring a small sample of the beauty this world possesses, seeing the sights, smelling the smells & tasting the salt and hops on my lips. So here's the kicker:

We didn't once, in the 3hrs, get a chance to fly the sails! The ocean was as still as glass, with not even a whisper of a breeze. Like I said, it was amazing to me, for I had never been on a sailboat, so we only motored along at about 4 knots for the entire trip, yet I so thoroughly enjoyed myself, I'm sure our host thought me to be a bit simple. He actually felt really bad that I didn't get to experience the thrill of "opening up the sheets", and we made another date to bring my hubby for next time. To finish off the evening, he took us up to the yacht club, introduced us to some longtime friends and treated us to a drink out on the patio, overlooking the marina. What an adventure for a Wednesday night!