North Montana?

Today I went to see "Meet the Robinsons" (G) with 6YO. At one point, when asked where he is from, the main character says, "Canada." "Oh, you must mean North Montana!" responds one of the from-the-future-Robinson family, "No one's called it 'Canada' in years!"

I did some quick looking on-line and, not surprisingly, a number of Canadians didn't find this funny. And, in at least one version marketed outside North America it was changed to something about Austria and Switzerland.

Gotta run - but wanted to post that before I forgot!

"Don't Veto, Don't Obey"

The New York Times
June 22, 2007
Editorial

"Don’t Veto, Don’t Obey"

President Bush is notorious for issuing statements taking exception to hundreds of bills as he signs them. This week, we learned that in a shocking number of cases, the Bush administration has refused to enact those laws. Congress should use its powers to insist that its laws are obeyed.

The Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan arm of Congress, investigated 19 provisions to which Mr. Bush objected. It found that six of them, or nearly a third, have not been implemented as the law requires. The G.A.O. did not investigate some of the most infamous signing statements, like the challenge to a ban on torture. But the ones it looked into are disturbing enough.

In one case, Congress directed the Pentagon in its 2007 budget request to account separately for the cost of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was a perfectly appropriate request, but Mr. Bush issued a signing statement critical of the rule, and the Pentagon withheld the information. In two other cases, federal agencies ignored laws requiring them to get permission from Congressional committees before taking particular actions.

The Bush administration’s disregard for these laws is part of its extraordinary theory of the “unitary executive.” The administration asserts that the president has the sole authority to supervise and direct executive officers, and that Congress and the courts cannot interfere. This theory, which has no support in American history or the Constitution, is a formula for autocracy.

Other presidents have issued signing statements, but none has issued as many, or done so with the same contemptuous attitude toward the co-equal branches of government. The G.A.O. report makes clear that Mr. Bush’s signing statements were virtually written instructions to executive agencies to flout acts of Congress. Senator Robert Byrd, Democrat of West Virginia, has said that the report shows that Mr. Bush “is constantly grabbing for more power” and trying to push Congress “to the sidelines.”

Members of Congress have a variety of methods available to make the administration obey the law. They should call the agency heads up to Capitol Hill to explain their intransigence. And they should use the power of the purse, the authority the founders wisely vested in the people’s branch, as a check on a runaway executive branch.

When the Bush presidency ends, there will be a great deal of damage to repair, much of it to the Constitutional system. Congress should begin now to restore the principle that even the president and those who work for him are not above the law.

Back in the 'hood

I returned to the Twin Cities on Saturday evening, 16 June. I've been playing catch-up and trying to get on track with work, working out, etc. The big news is that I finally received my PR card! Yes, first thing Monday morning. So, now we're all "official." Yippee!

The other news is that we were awakened around 2:30 last night by gunshots. We live on a corner, across from an apartment building where there have been more than a few problems as of late. Several police cruisers soon arrived. A police officer told one fof the guys on the sidewalk to get off his phone. He did not. We then watched as several police officers got him down on the ground and cuffed. A neighbor followed up today and, according to the police report, 12 casings were found in front of the building. I am so ready to go.

I'm now working through the copyediting of my forthcoming book and spending time with 6YO who is now out of school. We leave for Halifax on Saturday the 30th. I do hope to post regularly while we're on the road, though I will probably go ahead and post to the "Traveling..." blog rather than dual post.

Meanwhile, hope all is well with you! On to Canada!

Planes, trains...

Not everyone in my world has knows about this blog. So, my last few travel posts appear both here as well as on another blog, Traveling without Unraveling. Rather than continue to post twice, if you're interested in reading about what's happening while I'm on the road, please click here. And, when I'm back and/or posting about Canada, etc. I'll resurface here. Thanks!

Sunday, 10 June 2007

I'm now in Nykoping, Sweden, a small town about 100 km outside of Stockholm. Since my flight leaves at 7 am I decided to book a room closer to the airport. I don't even recall if it would have been possible to get the bus from the city that early!

This morning, after another nice breakfast, I went to the Nobel Museum. I could have stayed much longer watching all the mini-films, but after about 2 hours I decided it was time for lunch. It's a small museum and has only been opened since 2001, but it is definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Then I made my way to the City Terminal and found the gate for the 14.30 bus to Skavsta airport. I had a hard time staying awake on the bus! We got to the airport around 15.50. I then found the local bus. The bus driver was really nice and dropped me off at (almost) the right place.

I got here to the Hotel Wiktoria and checked in and, yes, they have wireless. Woo-hoo. But, let me tell you about this room. I had read about this in an on-line review and couldn't quite envision it. But, the toilet, sink, and shower are all one. You slide the basin to the side when using the shower. I'm not kidding! The room has a fridge, tv, sofa, table, etc., but it's almost like being in a cruise ship or train cabin. But, the good news is that they provide drinks and sandwiches in the evening. Additionally, even though I have to leave at 05.00 I can still get breakfast. And, unlike Stockholm where I was on a really busy street, it is very, very quiet.

Well, just thought that since I had an opportunity I'd post an update. Oh, my accomplishment of the day was this. Sitting on the Tunnelbana, waiting for it to pull away, watching the electronic sign that tells you where you're going, the next stop, etc., I knew that it was wrong, not me! In two days I managed to get quite comfortable with getting around, but I think if I stayed a few more days I'd have really settled in. I also found that, with a tiny bit of Dutch and German - and, of course, English - I was able to read a fair amount of signs. Not much, but enough.

I'm really glad I took the opportunity to come up this way and see something new. I had really wanted to go back to Paris - especially since I can hobble along in fractured French - but I felt compelled to visit a place I'd never been and would be less likely to have the opportunity to visit in the future. Another good thing is that it's really the first time I've traveled to a new non-English speaking country since about 1980. That is, in recent years I've been to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany, but I'd been to them before and have "a sense of things." Since I work with students who are returning from spending a semester abroad it's also been a nice reminder of the learning curve and "culture shock" of arriving in a new country where you understand so little.

I guess that's it - more as it happens!

Saturday, 9 June 2007

I forgot to mention this... When I arrived yesterday, there were trucks – picture flatbed trucks with sides about chest high on the beds – filled with teenagers with beer and tree branches driving through the city center, blaring music and, well, looking the most like a Pride float of anything I’ve seen outside of a Pride parade. Turns out that there are huge celebrations for high school graduation! The families come out to stand and cheer, many carrying posters with a photo of their son/daughter as a child. I am not kidding when I say that you could smell the beer in the trucks while standing on the sidewalk.

Other miscellaneous thoughts/observations…

The Tunnelbana/subway has posters for a campaign against Chlamydia in which fingers with condoms on them are pictured. That’s one of those, “Won’t see this in the US moments.” Somewhere else – I don’t recall if it was here or Germany – there was a poster with condoms on fruits and veggies.

One of the guidebooks said that it is very unusual for the Swedish to acknowledge a stranger in public; you know, a smile or some such. I think they’re right.

On the “cool” list – picture, to the side of a wide stairway (e.g., in the T-bana), a section of stairs 8"-10” wide with a flat part on either side. I can’t really describe it; maybe you’ve seen it. It enables someone to walk up the stairs while pushing a stroller or bike at the same time. I’ve seen this once in the US, in a relatively obscure part of a park in Minneapolis. Very cool.

Speaking of strollers – I saw more people with strollers – with children in them – on escalators today than I think I’ve seen in all my years in the US. And the elevators are a lot more accessible here, too. ??

Other things I love – the light flush/heavy flush option on toilets. What I don’t love – paying 5 kroner – about 75 cents – to use the bathroom at the mall. I don’t mind pay toilets at all – they tend to be clean – but 75 cents seems a bit much.

The transit system here is truly exceptional. You hear that, but, my, it is really true. Coming from the Twin Cities where many people can't imagine why anyone would want to spend more on, not improving, but providing mass transit...

Where are the homeless? I did some quick research and Stockholm does have a homeless population. This is the only city of its size I've ever been in where I've not encountered a single person who appeared homeless or was asking for money. Not one single person - not near the T-bana, not in the parks, nothing. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad. The "homeless count" suggests that the percentage is so small its not evident. On the other hand, some cities have such a hostile approach to homelessness that they keep them hidden. I'd like to know more about this.

It reminds me of something I didn't post about - my ride to the airport. I was the only passenger and the driver was a - I'm guessing - thirty-something fellow who had been born in El Paso to a GI father and a German mother. His brother - a Marine - and sister both live in the US. He wants nothing of it. He said, "Life is too hard in the States," and described how poorly he would be paid, etc. I was thinking about that here - the Swedish "safety net" is supposed to be pretty amazing. And, from Wikipedia - though I've seen it elsewhere - "all working parents are entitled to 16 months' paid leave per child, the cost being shared between employer and State. To encourage greater paternal involvement in child-rearing, a minimum of 3 months out of the 18 is required to be used by the "minority" parent, in practice usually the father, and some Swedish political parties on the Left argue for legislation to oblige families to divide the 18 months equally between both parents."

Why is it I keep thinking about how backward the US is on so many issues...?

Okay, today’s report, other than the above –

I got up and made a pilgrimage - by bus, tram, train, and bus – to the Kungens Kurva IKEA. Yes, it's true. L-girl and AAA – I thought of you both! I hadn’t decided whether I was really going to do it or not, but decided to go for it. It was huge, huge, huge and, unlike Amsterdam, actually had stuff that I’ve not seen at home. All I bought was a stuffed animal as a gift for 6YO who has been pestering me for one. I'm traveling with one backpack this weekend so I'm keeping the purchases light!

Then I took a bus and train back to the city center and took the ferry over to the Vasa Museum. This is supposed to be one of the top attractions here. I almost skipped it because I just wasn’t that interested. I am so glad I didn’t. It was just fascinating. In 1628, the ship sank on its first voyage, right in the harbor. In 1961 it was raised and painstakingly restored. It was just incredible to see both the ship and the video about the restoration.

I wandered around for a while, watching some of the Stockholm Marathon. It was way too hot for a marathon, if you ask me. They didn’t.

Later in the afternoon I took the Royal Canal Tour. Tours like these always sound so hokey, but I have found that they are one of the very best ways to get a quick overview of a large city. And it was nice and cool on the boat.

Then, I found – you won’t believe it – a food court, Kungshallen. It had been listed in Lonely Planet as a great place to grab a bite. Since I’m alone it’s hardly worth taking a leisurely meal with wait staff. I had some wonderful chicken tikka masala. This, so I hear, is the #1 dish in London. So, I waited for Stockholm.

That’s about it. Skype has been very unreliable – don’t know if it’s this connection or what – so P and I set up gmail chat which was great. So, that’s my day. Tomorrow, after a leisurely morning, I have to take the bus back to Skavsta airport then take the city bus into Nykoping where I am spending the night because my flight leaves at 07.00 on Monday morning. Once I get back to Frankfurt-Hahn, the bus to Trier doesn’t leave for 2 and a half hours. I should get back to campus around 14.00. I don’t think I’ll have any Internet access for the interim, so, that’s it for now!

Oh, one more thing – last night at 23.00 there was still light in the sky. At 4.00 it was light! I checked and, tonight, sunset is 22.00. Sunrise tomorrow is 03.34.

Updated Sunday morning: I woke up at 04.02. Fortunately, I was able to go back to sleep! :-)

P.S.

I was doing a little reading about the area in which I'm staying and, apparently, Mats Sundin, of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was born here in Bromma in 1971. Always happy to find a Canada connection. Also of interest, Gunnar and Alva Myrdal lived here as well.

Friday, 8 June 2007

Writing at Frankfurt-Hahn Airport: So far, so good. Coming up to stay at the airport the night before was such a great idea. I got up and dressed and literally crossed the street to check in for my flight. I then went back to the hotel and had a delightful breakfast. Afterward, I was able to go back to my room, use the facilities, etc., grab my bag and come over to the airport where security was a breeze – and the agents so pleasant. I am now sitting at the gate waiting to board. Although my German hosts referred to this airport as “in no man’s land,” it’s just great. It’s small, yes, but that makes it easy to get around and it has lots of services.

I have wondered if I’m taking my life in my hands – more so than is usually the case with flying – by taking Ryan Air – a European no frills/discount airline, but all indicators are that it’s just fine. I’ll add a report after I actually fly! For those of you unfamiliar with them, I’m flying from Frankfurt-Hahn, about an hour from Frankfurt I’d guess, to Stockholm, round trip, for 74 euro, or about USD$100. The bus from and to Trier will have been 24 euro, no more than a cab ride in the city. I also have to take a bus from the regional airport near Stockholm to the city proper and it’s a bit more expensive, but, all in all, this is quite nice.

I should put in a plug for the hotel, too. B+B is a French chain that appears to be rapidly expanding into Germany. I checked in last night, stepped out of the elevator where the hallway lights got brighter because someone had entered the area - what a great environmental measure! - and accessed my room by using a code on the door keypad. It was, of course, small, but very nice. One of the things I love about traveling in Europe is the use of duvets. Then there’s the clean simplicity of things. Love it! As it turned out I didn’t sleep “great” as I had hoped – I never seem to do so the first night in a new space. And, being most familiar with hotels in major urban areas of the US, I think it probably bothered me a bit that there are no chains on the doors! But, then, I did once have someone be given the key to my room and walk in only to find me there! Anyway, at 41 euro this was a real find! And, I checked this morning and they have “family rooms” with one double bed and two singles for 59 euro. I’m already planning for when we can make the great European tour! Don’t know what year that might happen with all the other plans, but, we’ll see! I really want P to see Aachen, a small town not far from here and there’s a B+B hotel there, too! ;-)

I guess that’s it for now. We should begin boarding soon. More as it happens!

Friday evening update from my room in Stockholm-Bromma:
The flight was great. As a discount airline it’s one where you don’t get a seat assignment, but I scored an exit row. Very comfy. The flight was a little under 2 hours. We landed at Skavsta Airport, another great little “outside the city” airport. I got some kroner from a cash machine – Sweden declined to adopt the euro – and got a ticket for the bus to Stockholm City. At 199 kroner round trip, that’s USD$28.48 – call it $30 with what the bank will add – that means that my travel to Stockholm, including last night's hotel, ran about USD$215. Not bad. BTW, I'm mentioning all these costs for those who might be curious as to how cheaply you can actually do this.

The ride was about and hour and twenty minutes and I had trouble keeping my eyes open, but I thought I was silly to sleep, even if all I was missing was the countryside. When we arrived I – eventually! – found the tourist office where I was able to buy a transit pass. I had booked a hotel on the outskirts because a) it’s really inexpensive at about USD$61, and b) it’s one way to see more than the tourist center of downtown! I’m really getting my walking in though! I finally made it to the hotel and my great IKEA-like room where I was able to shower and cool off. I then headed back to the city center and wandered around Gamla Stan, or Old Town. I hadn’t had lunch and was starving! I’m not much for traditional Swedish food and I refused to patronize the McDonalds, Burger Kings, or Pizza Huts I had passed but I happened upon an Italian restaurant – always a favorite – and got a table. I was flipping through my Lonely Planet – Stockholm and, what a coincidence, the first thing I had tabbed was this restaurant! I had a great artichoke and mushroom pizza and a Coke Light. Yum. I wandered around a bit more, over some bridges, near Parliament and the Royal Palace, and back to T-Centralen. I took a different train this time so that I could connect to a bus that takes me right to the hotel. I had had enough walking!

So, that’s it for today. I feel like I know how to get around most of the areas I plan to visit. And, because I decided to bring my computer I was able to go to the transit site and get detailed instructions for getting from Point A to Point B. But, I’m exhausted. It’s after 21.00 and still very bright. I didn’t check, but I hear it gets dark around 22.00 or so. More as it happens!

Hello from Germany

Just thought I'd post a brief, "Hi, I'm fine," note. Here's the general recap - I left the US last Saturday evening, 2 June, and arrived in London on Sunday morning around 9.00. Made my way to Victoria Station and on to the bookstores of Charing Cross Road - via Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guards, Parliament, "Big Ben," Downing Street, and many theatres. I went to several bookstores (but not Borders) and hung out at the cafe of Foyles Bookshop where I was able to use Skype to call home. I love Skype. I then made my way back to Victoria Station - having been unsuccessful in finding an original Bloomsbury hardcover of the first Harry Potter book - and to the airport. Just as I had accidentally passed the morning's tourist spots, I found myself on the mall at Saint James's Park headed toward Buckingham Palace, quite unintentionally. It was weird to see the very spot where I had stood for a photo almost 28 years earlier! A couple of hours later I was on my way to Luxembourg. I arrived around 21.00 and was met by one of my colleagues from MN and my host in Trier. We arrived in Trier just before 22.00. The major accomplishment of the day was that my luggage arrived, too! Yea!

I spent M/T/W of this week getting settled - i.e., getting a user ID and installing the software I needed to use their W-LAN. I've had great German food - I love that nice, fattening, heavy German food. My hips don't, but I do! Monday evening we went out with several members of the department. Tuesday we had our first class and it went really well. We have 14 students. One from France, one from Luxembourg, one from Romania, two from Turkey, one daughter of US military, and 8 German students. I think it's going to be a good group. My colleague teaches tomorrow - Race and Class in the US; I teach Tuesday - Social Class and Patterns of Consumption.

Today I had a great day. I spent the morning prepping for class. At 13.00 a couple of folks from the department picked me up to go for a hike. We walked through the forest, up wooden steps, across swinging bridges, past several waterfalls and ended up at a restaurant beneath Burg Ramstein, an old fortification. You can see pictures here. It was just terrific! Then, we went back to Trier and I caught the bus for the Frankfurt-Hahn airport.

Yes, I thought about going to the G8, but decided to spend the weekend in Stockholm instead. Keep your fingers crossed that Ryan Air gets me there! I won't bore you with the details having to do with bus schedules, etc., but I'm staying at this incredible new (French) hotel across the street from the terminal so that I can catch my morning flight. For 41 euro, about USD$55 I have a fabulous room with free wireless and a flatscreen tv. I think that tonight I might get a really good night's sleep!

If all goes well I'll try to post a note from Stockholm. Meanwhile, four weeks from today we arrive in Fredericton! Hope all is well with you!

Potpourri

Time is flying. Exams ended last week, quickly followed by a flurry of Commencement activities. Early Monday morning we got started painting the kitchen; continued on Tuesday. Still not done, but mother-not-in-law arrived this morning so things are on hold for a few days. And, I've got to do some "school" work this week to get ready for summer teaching. I've been keeping up with folks' blogs, but not having much of a chance to post comments.

Monday evening we had an unfortunate experience. Around 10 pm, while watching a movie, we heard our neighbors start fighting. Short version - it got ugly fast and we called the police. We were mainly motivated to call because their five year old was home and parenting was part of the argument. Things settled down, the cops came, that was that. We've been neighbors for six years and this is a first. They are very, very Christian; very traditional, etc. But, we've got a fine "neighborly" relationship and the kids sometimes play together.

Yesterday, T, the wife/mom, came over bearing flowers. It was so sad. She came over to apologize, tell us that she had experienced moral failure in that she had cursed at her husband. Her account went from bad to worse. Clearly, in her mind, this was all her fault. Of course we had heard how it started. Him: "When I come home I just want to be left alone." He was annoyed that his son was still up at 9pm and that his wife had spoken to him when he wanted to be left alone. Yikes! Anyway, we chatted for a while and finally I just said, words to the effect of, "I know we come from very different backgrounds... but you need to know that you weren't the only one who was wrong." Her response was that, "...although his behavior had been shaming" her reaction was "more wrong because I screamed at my husband." I said something like sometimes the person who doesn't raise his or her voice can be saying the more abusive things. I didn't want to start quoting what we had heard, but it was so sad to hear her claiming all responsibility. She said that they were talking with their elders and their pastor... She said something I didn't understand about "being in the light," but I wasn't inclined to ask. It was just so sad. Everything we had surmised about their relationship was pretty much verified. Mr. Big Man. Yeah, right. And did I mention that we think there's some drug trafficking going on in the apartment across the street? Unfortunately with the windows open we get to hear all the "thumpa-thumpa" music at 2 am, etc.

So, that's it from here. Between now and next Friday I have to finish prepping things for the Germany course and finish posting everything for the on-line course here. I have to do some shopping before leaving. Hopefully we'll finish the kitchen. Mother-not-in-law leaves next Wednesday. So, on Saturday, 2 June I leave for Trier, Germany via London and Luxembourg. I have a nine hour layover in London so I hope to get into Victoria Station and spend some time in a few bookstores. I'm scheduled to spend the middle weekend in Stockholm. Then, I return on Saturday, 16 June, via Luxembourg and Amsterdam. I have a seven hour layover in A'dam. If all goes according to plan I'll go to my favorite pizza place, go for a long walk, and stock up on Gouda. In an unusual move I'm not taking my laptop. Between security, the intentionally long layovers to do some shopping, and the lack of connection at my lodging, no point in dragging it around. While I will have to spend some time at the Internet cafe in Trier and I'll keep up on my reading, I probably won't post much - unless of course there is big news! The German keyboard is frustrating and I should be out enjoying the city!

So, that's about it from here. Just wanted folks to know that I'm reading - and counting the days until we arrive in Halifax! Cheers!

House, apartment, tent?

We have, since the beginning of this whole immigration enterprise, debated where we would move and whether or not we'd decide or let other things (e.g., jobs, school...) somewhat decide for us. We've gone through phases of thinking we would buy a house, build a house, rent first, buy a condo, and back through the round several times over. For a whole host of reasons that I won't bore you with we recently decided that the smartest thing to do is to rent first.

I had previously - during an earlier iteration of rental mania - found a bunch of decent websites about rental units. I visited them again yesterday and found a place where the landlord actually listed anticipated vacancy dates - through summer 2008! And, we were really intrigued with one of the listings. So, I emailed him. My big concern was finding a place that would be suitable for our needs/desires and that would accept a dog. So far we've exchanged several emails in which he's given me all kind of info. Our dog is no problem and they're willing to not let it to anyone else until after we have a chance to see it in July.

I don't want to be too jazzed about it because so many things could happen; e.g., we don't like it or the current tenants decide not to relocated as planned. But, it's downtown - one mile from the university, one mile from a French Immersion elementary school, walking distance to the riverfront, and - drum roll please - across the street from the Farmers' Market! It's more than we had planned on spending - isn't that always the way - on a rental. But, it includes heat and water, has a garage and a parking place (even though the location will allow us to keep getting by with one car), and has basement storage.

So, we'll see what happens. I said that even if it doesn't work out the mental exercise of evaluating the pros and cons and really deciding what are priorities and what are not is useful. We'd still like to buy or build, but since so much is up in the air regarding whether or not we stay there, etc. this seems like the most reasonable plan to take. Plus, we really get a chance to learn the neighborhoods, etc.; something I swore we'd do before buying in a place about which we know nothing.

Countdown to Halifax: 7 weeks from Saturday!

Funding!

I got the grant! That means that I'll be able to plan at least one, perhaps two, trips to Canada to meet with folks who've agreed to participate in the "Magnetic North" project. Yippee! Most likely that means that if I can't swing it in October when we have a long weekend, I'll plan to visit Toronto next January (yeah, silly me) when I'm not teaching. I'm going to Portland, OR in April of next year so I may try to add Vancouver to that trip. Rock on!

Hope your weather is as beautiful as ours is here in the Twin Cities!

Yet one more reason...

First, I appreciate the debate over whether hate crime legislation is the way to go. That is, I appreciate the arguments for and against increased penalties when something is deemed a hate crime. "Hate crimes under current federal law apply to acts of violence against individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, or national origin." But, it seems to me that if a jurisdiction chooses to pass such legislation, as has the federal government, it should include sexual orientation.

The House, yesterday, passed legislation that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to existing hate crime legislation. The Senate is expected to pass a similar bill. Now, I know you'll be shocked, but, yes, Bush plans to veto the legislation if/when it reaches his desk.

Let's see - Congress passes legislation to set a timeline on Iraq. Bush vetoes. Congress, it appears, will pass the hate crime legislation. Bush plans to veto. What a @#$%.

Best Places to Live

Check out Money Sense and the "Canada's Best Places to Live" rankings.

Masochism

I happened upon the last twenty minutes or so of the first GOP "debate." I kept thinking, "Someday I'm going to look back and say that the best thing I ever did was get my son out of the country." Somebody wants to eliminate a federal income tax. Somebody, digging at Clinton, spouted off about how horrible national health care would be. Somebody, I think it was evil, evil Duncan Hunter, said that we "had license to take military action" against Iran. Throw in Sam Brownback and a little pro-life rhetoric and the biggest #@$% in the world, John McCain... ugh. Pathetic. Just pathetic.

BTW, the debate was held at the Reagan Library. Nancy "Just Say No" Reagan with there, seated with Schwarznegger. She isn't looking good. Very, very frail.

In other news, did you hear about Joan Baez being denied permission to perform with John Mellencamp at Walter Reed? I don't think a day goes by that I don't hear something that makes me even more disgusted. Is there a point at which it won't be possible to be further disgusted?

Well, so much for the uplifting post.

Vote Kucinich.

Grrrr...

So, there I was. Settling into a hot bath, relaxing, and catching up on the latest issue of Mother Jones. Now I realize it might not make sense to relax with that particular magazine, because so much of the material is distressing. But, it's distressing in a "thank goodness someone can articulate what I think" kind of way.

Imagine my surprise when I read this letter to the editor:
"Although I appreciateed Cameron Scott's 'The Gay Marriage Stimulus Package," what about the fiscal liabilities once you consider Social Security? Wouldn't recognizing those additional marriages put additional strain on the already underfunded Social Security system? And you assume that in same-sex couples, both work and would move up the economic ladder. How about those who might marry the unemployed or quit to raise dependents?"
Nancy Mendez, Silver Spring, Maryland

I'm choking on the heterosexism. And to read that kind of crap in Mother Jones? Spare me.

PR Cards

Just a quick note to tell you all that we are now in possession of PR cards for P and 6YO. It is surely one of the most fabulous things ever to see 6YO's face smiling at me from just below the Canadian flag and the words "Government of Canada." Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Or something like that! Now to get my photo off to them!

Whoosh!

I can't believe my last post was two weeks ago tomorrow, as I sat in my room in Victoria, looking out at the harbour...

I just had to post this quick update - I had a great time in Victoria, met with several of our cyberfamily, and so forth. I took the red-eye back and remembered that I just don't do well on three hours of sleep any more. It took me several days to begin to catch up from a week's absence. Then, last Thursday I thought my head was going to explode. The doctor got a BP reading of 162/108 so I'm back on meds. I don't really know why it's up. Maybe it was the "you're over 50 now, you get to have a colonoscopy!" date approaching. BTW, I will NOT be serving as the colonoscopy poster child any time soon. Anyway, after a week and a half of headaches, procedure prep, post-sedation delirium, etc. things seem to be getting back to normal. Thus, my lack of posts following the trip, etc.

The good news/bad news story is that P's and 6YO's PR cards have arrived. My photograph, however, was unacceptable and I have to send a new one. I guess with everything else having gone so smoothly I can't complain about this little delay!

So, a short post, I know. But, trying to get things on an even keel. And, while I'm not posting much of the way in comments, know that I'm reading the other blogs and loving hearing how everyone's doing.

It's hard to believe that nine weeks from Saturday we arrive in Halifax! Of course, between here and then we have finals, commencement, one week with the mother-in-law (or should that be mother-not-in-law?) in town, two weeks in Europe... I'll post as I can, but know that I'm here! BTW, Tom and Emilio, tomorrow night in my Sexuality and the Law class we're reading some immigration cases and I'm going to show the clip that's on the Through Thick and Thin website!

More as it happens!

Canadian Soldiers

And then there's the bad news. I turned on the tv, anxious for a dose of CBC. It was all hockey until one of the guys said that more Canadian soldiers had been killed in Afghanistan. What was so refreshing, even in the face of the tragic news, was the genuine reaction of the broadcaster to include a comment that I wish I had written down. It was something along the lines of things having to change. You don't see that in the US media, at least I haven't.

Greetings from Victoria, BC!

I thought that it was time for an update. And, since today is the first anniversary of this blog, all the more reason to post, eh?

I arrived in Seattle on Sunday morning and had a delightful lunch with Daniel and Alan of Would Be Canadians. It was just great to meet them in "real time and space" and compare notes, etc. BTW, if you find yourself in Seattle, I recommend a visit to Julia's on Broadway. I then ventured back to the hotel and took care of some odds-n-ends before my next appointment. Since I was going to be working at Seattle University, I stayed at the Silver Cloud - Broadway, also recommended. Although I didn't need to use them, any "regular hotel" room that includes a mini-fridge and microwave is high on my list. Also, it was super clean.

That evening I met my friend and colleague, J, who had recruited me to do the work. We went to Cafe Septieme where I had - I was in the Pacific Northwest after all - salmon on a really good risotto with a balsamic reduction. In a word - yum! Aside from the "work briefing" it was great to catch up. We hadn't visited in several years. And, I finally got to meet her partner of six years. I was really beginning to think she was the imaginary partner. Not really, but it was great to be able to finally meet her.

Fortunately, J had crafted a very civilized schedule for me with my first meeting on Monday at 10:30 am. I spent the day "interviewing" members of the department, met with students, etc. I had a break and then went to dinner with J and two other members of the department. We had a great time chatting about this, that, and the other. One of them is Canadian, too! A bonus, to be sure. They were very interested in my process and project. We at at La Spiga where, no surprise, I splurged on the Tiramisu.

Tuesday was a repeat with a late start and a day full of interviews. I had another late afternoon break and then met J for our debriefing. We wandered over to the Wildrose, a predominantly lesbian bar, for a bite. We debriefed and visited and debriefed and visited. I was able to get caught up on all the disciplinary-dyke-drama that I miss by being in the Midwest. Oh, that's disciplinary as in the discipline in which I teach, not as in "bondage and..." Before I knew it, it was almost 10 pm. So, we said our goodbyes and I got packed for an early departure.

Seattle is always terrific. I didn't wander beyond Capitol Hill at all. Not even to Elliott Bay Book Co. But, I had a wonderful time nonetheless. The department I was visiting is full of incredibly friendly and dynamic people and scholars. The urban campus is beautiful. And, I got to visit an old friend and respected colleague. And, they paid my way and paid me, too. All in all, it was a fabulous trip.

This morning I was up at 5:45, waiting for the shuttle at 7. After a few other stops I was deposited at Pier 69 for the Victoria Clipper. After an uneventful trip - during which I actually got some grading done - I arrived in Victoria. The customs officer looked at my passport and said, "Are you moving back?" Alas, I had to inform her that we hadn't moved to Canada yet, only landed. What do you mean, you might say, "only" landed?!? You're right. We've LANDED! But, we anxiously await the next phase of our journey. Anyway, cleared, off I went.

I had lunch with M, one of the participants in the immigration project. We had visited here almost two years ago and it was great to both catch up and keep going with the project. I won't share details because I am trying to keep the project and the personal somewhat separate - though it's hard with all the gray lines of relationships - but I will say that she is very happy and that living in Canada very, very much agrees with her! We had lunch at Santiago's which, I just realized, as I'm typing, is the place that I think I'm going tonight with Mary and Diane, the women from Canada-is-Calling. The food was tasty, so no problem!

I'm now in my hotel where, from the desk, I can see the harbor. Or, perhaps I should write, "harbour." The Coho Ferry is several hundred meters away and I can see the Canadian flag waving in the breeze. What a view. I can't tell you how much I enjoy seeing that. But, then, if you're reading this you probably have a very good idea!

I'm staying at the Days Inn - Victoria on the Harbour. This is where P and I stayed when we did our quickie honeymoon in May 2005. Unfortunately I had to come alone this time. Bummer. If you come to Vic via the Clipper it's a great place to stay. It's across the street from the ferry terminal and within walking distance of much of what you might wish to do here. What isn't within walking distance is accessible via tour bus or public transit. And, for those who prefer, there are car rental locations within walking distance. Also, this time of year I was able to book a room on-line, queen bed with a harbour view, for 79.20 CAD, including a continental breakfast. Pretty good, I think.

So, that brings you up to speed, I think. Hope all is well. It's snowing in Minnesota. Today is 11 April. Our first snow of this "season" was on 11 October. These pictures were taken then. Six months? What's wrong with that picture? I mean, really.

More as it happens! As if you had any doubt.