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Month: March 2017

John’s Believe It Or Not… March 31st

It’s Fabulous Friday! Did you know…

* 1949 – Newfoundland joins Confederation at midnight as Canada’s 10th province. (“I never thought I’d see the day,” Joseph R. Smallwood exclaimed in 1949 when Newfoundland, which proudly styled itself England’s oldest colony, became Canada’s newest province. Smallwood, who had led the campaign for Confederation, became the first premier of the tenth province. The decision to join Canada had not been an easy one for Newfoundlanders. It came after several years of debate on their political future, capped by two referendums in 1948. Since 1934, they had been ruled by a Commission of Government appointed by Britain. During the 15 years of the Commission’s administration, Newfoundland experienced social and economic changes that raised the people’s expectations of a higher standard of living, more public services and greater economic security in international trade. It was hoped that union with Canada would help to meet these expectations.) Continue reading “John’s Believe It Or Not… March 31st”

John’s Believe It Or Not… March 30th

It’s Therapeutic Thursday! Did you know…

* March 30, 1885 – North West Rebellion – Cree chief Poundmaker (Pitikwahanapiwiyin) attacks and surrounds Battleford, Saskatchewan with Little Pine and 200 other warriors. (Local settlers are forced to seek shelter in NWMP [Northwest Mounted Police] barracks for a month. A formidable soldier, Poundmaker had participated in the signing of Treaty 6, and in 1881 had guided the Marquis of Lorne from Battleford to Calgary. But he was distressed at the treatment given the Cree people and had agitated for the fulfilment of the promises made under Treaty.) Continue reading “John’s Believe It Or Not… March 30th”

Sorry for the Inconvenience Part II

Madelyn Griffith-Haynie provides us with a hair-raising event from her own life experience just how important it is to have empathy for others who come into your life. Please read on…

ADD . . . and-so-much-more

dynv_warning_sign_1

PTSDTrigger Warning

Not my problem,
not my business?

© Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, CTP, CMC, ACT, MCC, SCAC
from the Walking a Mile Series – Part II

“There, but for the grace of God, go I”

What kind of world do YOU want?

As I began in Part I of this article, our society seems to be rapidly moving to a state where it is empathy-averse. This article is my attempt at trying to change that sad reality in some small fashion by telling my personal story.

The power of true stories

Sometimes hearing the stories of people you know, even a little, makes a greater impact than any urging to speak out, step up, and make a difference ever could. So I have written a three-part article sharing two personal experiences, several years past now, the first of which I shared in Part I.

My second experience is…

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John’s Believe It Or Not… March 29th

It’s Wondrous Wednesday! Did you know…

* 1982 – Queen Elizabeth II gives Royal Assent to the Canada Act, 1982, to patriate Canada’s Constitution. (Canada’s original constitution was the British North America Act of 1867 [BNA ACT]. It created the political union called “The Dominion of Canada”, but it was still a British colony. Canada was given full independence in 1931 [most Canadians don’t know that!]. Since the BNA Act was a statute of the British Parliament, the original document stayed in London. As of 1931, a foreign government owned Canada’s constitution. Lovely, eh! There were a few attempts to patriate the BNA Act – bring it home to Canada – but squabbles between the provinces and Ottawa over the division of powers thwarted each attempt. Then PM Pierre Trudeau declared he would bring home the constitution with or without provincial approval. He succeeded and added a new Charter of Rights and Freedoms [like the US Bill of Rights] to the patriated constitution. They changed its name to The Canada Act 1982.) Continue reading “John’s Believe It Or Not… March 29th”

Nationalism: Have We Outgrown It?

If you look at the history of nationalism down through the centuries, it is clear that this feeling of national pride has contributed some positive things to nations and to the world at large. Pride in our shared national culture and heritage is fostered by nationalism and that, in turn, builds feelings of collective identity and unity. One such example is the excitement and joy shared with our countrymen as our Olympic athletes achieve distinction in that world forum. That pride can result in greater financial support for the necessary training programs to bring our best athletes to this international competition. These accomplishments reinforce our feelings of national pride and unity. Continue reading “Nationalism: Have We Outgrown It?”

Reviewers #RRBC

Author Jan Sikes gifts us with some noteworthy thoughts about book reviews. Readers, please consider carefully! I invite you to read on…

Writing and Music

write-a-review

As an author, there is nothing more encouraging than receiving a rave review for one of your books.

But, reviewers must maintain credibility. And that is my topic today.

I am an avid reader. I love nothing more than to sink my teeth into a good story. And, I never hesitate to leave a review once I finish.

However, what happens when a reader picks up a book that leaves him lacking? Does that reviewer leave a false review to make the author feel better or tell the truth?

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I think the answer to that should be crystal clear. First of all, you are doing that author no favors by saying the book is better than it was. An honest but KIND review can help the author grow and get better at his craft.

We never stretch or reach for more, when we think we already have it. 

So, I…

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John’s Believe It Or Not… March 28th

It’s Tenuous Tuesday! Did you know…

* 1885 – North West Rebellion – Gen Frederick Middleton leaves for the west in command of 5,000 troops. (General Frederick Dobson Middleton leaves for the west in command of 5,000 troops; reaches the end of the CPR on April 2, and splits up; Middleton goes to Batoche, Otter sent to Battleford, Strange goes after Big Bear. These 5,000 British Regulars and Ontario Militia split into three groups will take on Gabriel Dumont’s 300 mounted forces of Metis and Cree Indians. Not very good odds? Stay tuned!) Continue reading “John’s Believe It Or Not… March 28th”