July 2006 |
I recently spent a day at Point Pelee National Park. One of the great things to do there is wander through a marsh along a boardwalk. In doing so, I came upon the sign pictured below.
So, naturally, I proceeded quickly and cautiously. My caution may have mitigated by the size of a black tern - I mean, how frightened can you be of a rather small bird? I mean, they may not be sparrows, but they aren't eagles either! The decidedly calm attitude of the couple in front of me may have had something to do with it too. But their demeanor was about to change! Suddenly, I noticed the couple running (in a less than entirely dignified fashion) along the boardwalk, holding their hands over their heads. And these little birds were "dive bombing" them in the most menacing way. How cute, I thought, the little birdies are playing with the big humans. City folks. Huh! So, on I went. Not far along - at about the point the couple ahead began running, I saw these birds taking some notice of me. And then, one of them began his "run". And then another. And another. At first, I continued on. But they came and they came! Then, I did what any self-respecting coward would do. I turned tail and ran. Let me tell you, a tern may as well be a pterodactyl when it gets mad. While they never actually hit me, they came very close! It seems there are several lessons to learn here.
Oh, on my way back to the beginning of the path, at the point where the warning sign is posted, I came upon another couple reading it. I tried to warn them. I pleaded with them. But, no, on they went. One can only hope they've been heard from since! |
|||
Saw Pirates of the Carribbean: Dead Man's Chest last night. The reviews I've read are largely correct, I think. The effects and action are terrific, but (because it only takes the story half way) it seems to just sit there (just go see it, I don't want to give too much away). It is worth seeing, in any event, and will leave you anxious for the third installment. But one complaint. What are they thinking with Norrington's character? That was just wrong! To get him to where he needs to be at the end, it could have been done without ruining the great character created in the first movie. Now you have to go see it to know what I'm talking about, don't you? |
|||
I've written here previously about my decision to run for municipal office. I've recently decided to withdraw from that campaign and support another candidate - Greg Thompson. Here is my press release of June 14 on the subject: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: “David Empey Throws Support To Greg Thompson In Ward 4” London, Ontario – David Empey, a candidate for London City Council in the new Ward 4, announced today that he is withdrawing from the race to support Greg Thompson. Thompson joined the race late last week. In explaining his decision, Empey made the following statement: “From the beginning I’ve been saying that this is about a better City, and a better Ward 4 - not about any personal ambitions. I’m living up to what I’ve been saying. The Ward 4 slate is getting very busy with candidates, with a number of us staking out progressive territory. This is a recipe for splitting the vote, and electing a candidate who does not share the values I think are important. Greg Thompson shares those values, and has a strong history of community involvement. In the end, I looked at the progressive candidates on the list, and Greg is the one of us most likely to win a seat at Council in November. I would also like to thank those who have expressed support for my candidacy. I appreciate the effort which has been expended on my behalf. I would ask you now to look at the field of candidates in Ward 4. When you do that, I think you will come to the same conclusion I did. I hope you will join me in working to elect Greg Thompson as (the new) Ward 4’s first Councilor.” Empey also urges other progressive candidates to consider the consequences of vote splitting. "We need a Councilor committed to this Ward, and I hope that other candidates will give some thought to that – politics doesn’t have to be about personal ambition” he added, “it ought to be about what is best for our communities.” |
|||
There was an article in the local paper recently about the conditions at 3 local zoos, including one I've written about here and at length. The article was prompted by a press conference by the World Society for the Protection of Animals. The WSPA has a great related story here - if you are thinking about going to zoos like this, please read it! Zoocheck.com also has a lot of information about zoos. |
|||
Stephen Harper's recent very friendly visit with George W. Bush has me both curious and nauseous. I'm curious about what the conversation must have been like. Harper, while I disagree with him about nearly everything there is that might be the subject of disagreement, is a pretty intellectual guy. He may be misguided, but he has reasoned his views out - he can support them with arguments that are (although ultimately wrong, IMHO) at least interesting. George on the other hand, well... Let's just say he isn't an intellectual and leave it at that. It would be difficult to but two more different people in a room together. So, how do you suppose the conversation went? Did Bush bring a dictionary? Or did he just not a lot and say " uh, huh, we need to take that bull by the horns" a lot? If I wasn't so lazy, I'd write a paragraph of dialogue between the two. Maybe someone else is less lazy? Why am I nauseous you ask? Good question! Apparently, Bush referred to Harper as "Steve" during a press conference. It has not been confirmed whether or not "Steve" referred to Bush as "Georgie" or "The Bushster". Urgh. Brings back memories of that jackass Mulroney singing "Danny Boy" with an ancient, senile and somewhat psychotic former American President who had a different Bush as Vice President. Does Harper's wife even call him "Steve"? |
|||
An artist from London, Adam Brandejs (website), has created an interesting work of art. The work consists of 19 sculptures he calls "genpets", and is supported by a website:  Pretty interesting social commentary! The idea that we would ever think it is OK to create life forms because we want pets is just crazy. Planet of the Apes, but one better! |
|||
