tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8296896578876348802012-02-01T12:06:46.096-05:00I am a Canadian living in Canada who very much loves her beautiful country. This blog is my way of sharing everything Canadian with you.Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.comBlogger2411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-53836084240085707632012-02-01T12:06:00.000-05:002012-02-01T12:06:46.102-05:00

[from my email files an element of truth - While I don't recommend the following, I do appreciate the irony. ] ----- Worried your pension will run short? So you're a sick senior citizen and the government says there is no nursing home available for you - what do you do? Senior Health Care Solution Our plan gives anyone 65 years or older a gun and 4 bullets.  You are allowed to shoot 2 MPs

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-36710771275432941372012-01-25T16:11:00.000-05:002012-01-25T16:11:54.959-05:00

Oh good gosh, I just about burst myself hearing about this little gem!  Seriously even Canadians can poke a little fun at our neighbours to the south and even though we have our own idiots in control of the country, I do see where the Canada Party is heading.  Let's put this in perspective, with Canada as the next president of the United States, we can ignore all of our own problems while

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-72228140394196304572012-01-14T18:18:00.000-05:002012-01-14T18:18:57.908-05:00

[from my email files...chuckle :)] The largest condom factory in the States burned down. President Obama was awakened at 4 am by the telephone.. "Sorry to bother you at this hour, Sir, but there is an emergency! I've just received word that the Durex factory in Washington has burned to the ground. It is estimated that the entire USA supply of condoms will be used up by the end of the week."

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-87585260998440250532012-01-02T15:42:00.000-05:002012-01-02T15:42:03.839-05:00

Happy New Year! As Canadians enter into the year 2012 I can't help but wonder if it will really be a good year or not.  During the election campaigns, Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised no new taxes or increase in taxes.   Then I saw a news segment a couple of days ago where although it was termed as being taxes EI premiums and CPP contributions were increasing.  Well I don't care whether

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-84026402473782880812011-11-11T07:00:00.001-05:002011-11-11T07:00:27.460-05:00

[Note: This is a repost from my personal blog, My Journey. It was originally posted on November 11, 2008. While I have modified the note I have kept the original contents of the post intact.  This will be the fouth year that I've used this wonderful video tribute to the fine men and women that serve our country.  Not only do they keep us safe they act as amazing Canadian ambassadors helping to

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-18520260120585685802011-11-10T14:57:00.000-05:002011-11-10T14:57:55.395-05:00

Every Canadian citizen has a moral obligation to be at a Remembrance Day service tomorrow to hour those who have bravely fought for our freedom, some paying the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.  There are no excuses, period.  They fought for our freedom despite the cold, the rain, the mud and muck and they were more than likely afraid but they kept on fighting for our freedom and the freedom

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-78853841984395699842011-10-07T07:00:00.005-04:002011-10-07T07:00:11.572-04:00

A few days ago I talked about some of the differences between Canadian and American telemarketers.  Now being a polite Canadian who spends a portion of her time in the US at our vacation home I get to deal with American telemarketers.  I have got one of the best comebacks for them ever!  See they go into their sales pitch without giving you time to even understand what they are saying.  Now, we

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-63260045621826002502011-10-05T23:15:00.000-04:002011-10-05T23:15:10.598-04:00

We are Canadians spending about three months of the year in the sunny south mainly in Florida where our vacation home is but we also make an annual trip to Las Vegas.  Now officially we are not snowbird but more like somewhat snow birds.  Our trips to Florida are spread out over May, September and December for two to five weeks at a time.  Oh good gosh, I can so relate to Jim Carrey being a

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-16062470503491959292011-10-02T09:00:00.011-04:002011-10-02T19:38:25.146-04:00

I honestly detest telemarketers.  For the most part I put them on call block or if one gets through depending on my mood I may have a little fun at their expense.  We live in beautiful Ontario, Canada and recently moved.  I kid you not two days after the phone was connected we got a call from a telemarketer!  Now see this is kind of slow because when our vacation home phone in sunny Florida was

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-27761313767221961572011-08-23T07:00:00.011-04:002011-08-23T07:00:04.042-04:00

Jack Layton was a class act, courageous and a true asset to Canada.  He was a man of integrity,  a person who walked his talk, a strong proponent for a greener Canada,  and a great politician.  More important he was genuine.  He was not above himself but rather revealed in making conversation with anyone from the homeless to the politician.  Jack Layton was a truly lovable person who put his

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-60846153320919466952011-08-22T10:14:00.000-04:002011-08-22T10:14:01.317-04:00

Today is a sad day across Canada.  NDP Leader Jack Layton died early this morning after a struggle with cancer at the age of 61 years old.   Jack Layton was truly a great Canadian who walked his talk.  Our condolences to his family.  He will be sadly missed by many Canadians.  RIP Jack Garden Gnome ©2008-2011

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-92122962737177531792011-07-27T15:08:00.000-04:002011-07-27T15:08:56.317-04:00

John Daly's Canadian PrideJuly 22, 2010 Pro-golfer John Daly showed his Canadian Pride on the second round of the Canadian Open on Friday, July 22, 2011 in Vancouver, British Columbia.  I was lucky enough to snap a picture from the television.  I absolutely love his pants!  Talk about Canadian pride! Garden Gnome ©2008-2011

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-35807335308423393972011-06-16T13:33:00.000-04:002011-06-16T13:33:04.398-04:00

I recently posted my feelings regarding how Canuck fans were treated in Boston.  In hindsight that pour sportsmanship and inhospitality by some venues in Boston pales after the riots that erupted in downtown Vancouver after the Canuck loss during the final Stanley Cup hockey game on June 16, 2011.  As a Canadian, I am ashamed of the fellow Canadians involved in this horrible display of

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-77523066048033413282011-06-14T07:00:00.001-04:002011-06-14T07:00:05.403-04:00

The battle for the Stanley Cup is heating up between Vancouver and Boston.  Oh my gosh though listening to the media and seeing some of the problems Boston gets one heck of a huge fail from this Canadian!  Apparently some restaurants were refusing service to Canadian fans.  Say what?  Canadians bring a lot of money into the US through their vacations, rental properties and day trips.  How dare a

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-58305709679505008212011-06-13T10:56:00.001-04:002011-06-13T11:33:55.805-04:00

Canada Post is officially on strike citing lowered mail volume as the causing factor of the strike.  They want to reduce mail delivery to Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday.  Workers have been holding rotating strikes in larger cities since June 8.  Denis Lemelin, President of CUPW claims they have evidence the mail volume is still there and that this is a tactic being taken by Canada Post to force

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-39816844278678290112011-05-30T23:56:00.000-04:002011-05-30T23:56:17.347-04:00

I am Canadian and for the most part I am happy with all things Canadian.  Not so when it comes to health care in Ontario.  You see where we live is an under-serviced area so it is difficult to get doctors to come into the small communities.  I was lucky in that I was actually able to fire my doctor but my husband is still with that very same doctor I fired.  Fast forward.  My husband is a

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-24884796594276964552011-05-08T07:00:00.001-04:002011-05-08T07:00:04.639-04:00

Our 2011 Census forms arrieved in the mail a couple of days ago.  This year there is the option to fill the forms out online.  The census is a shorter form asking only names, date of birth, marital status and language spoken so it is fairly benign.  The form includes the options as to whether the individual agrees to make his or her 2011 Census information available in 2103.  Census information

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-47971090944504805922011-05-03T07:00:00.002-04:002011-05-03T07:00:02.499-04:00

Over the past five weeks I said very little regarding the upcoming election that was held on May 2.  I think the bottom line is I really did not want to do a lot of bad mouthing.  I purposely avoided some of the political mud slinging.  In many ways it was a rather quiet election BUT given the results a very historical one.  The Conservatives headed by Stephen Harper won a majority government

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-9334139079127141152011-05-02T07:00:00.004-04:002011-05-02T07:00:11.074-04:00

Today is Election Day not that we wanted an election but thanks to Igantieff and his Liberals we got one to the tune of $300 to $400 million dollars.  So rather than worrying about how to keep the hydro on, put gas in your car, put food on your table without paying gas to get to the food bank and not sell your first born to the blood bank be sure to GET OUT THERE AND VOTE! Garden Gnome ©2008-

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-51435624886078656012011-05-01T17:43:00.000-04:002011-05-01T17:43:51.213-04:00

Well you would have to be a hermit to not know that tomorrow is election day in Canada.  Thanks to the forced election by the Liberals aka Ignatieff, Canada still trying to get the economy stimulated after a recession is being forced by the Liberals to pay between $300 and $400 million dollars for an election no one wanted and wasn't needed.  I have been very much biting my tongue on the whole

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-77070739871610069182011-04-29T22:54:00.000-04:002011-04-29T22:54:57.382-04:00

Like many Canadians I was up bright and early to watch as well as tape the royal wedding.  As a former Commonwealth country under monarch rule with still strong overtones of monarchy, the Royal family is of great interest.  It was an absolutely spectacular wedding!  What a wonderful, happy event for the world to be able to share in when there are so many negative things happening.  It was a

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-31379029970763436472011-04-25T17:07:00.000-04:002011-04-25T17:07:22.564-04:00

[from my email files because a little laughter aside of the political clowns is a good thing]----- After having dug to a depth of 10 feet last year, British scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 200 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 150 years ago. Not to be outdone by the Brit's, in the weeks that followed, an American

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-43528053119995588122011-04-11T19:08:00.001-04:002011-04-11T19:23:31.565-04:00

[from my email files - just a bit of humour]----- We get some weird questions here in Canada too, so we decided to post on our tourism web site some Questions that we received from international guests, and the Canuck answers: (oh....and my apologies in advance to anybody who might feel offended) Q: I have never seen it warm on TV, so how do the plants grow? (UK) A: We import all plants fully

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-75548756679651068812011-03-28T17:28:00.001-04:002011-03-30T08:16:28.744-04:00

In a historic Liberal non-confidence vote on Friday March 25, 2011, the Harper Government was defeated 156 to 145.  The following day the Governor General for Canada dissolved Parliament.  The Canadian House of Commons found Prime Minister Stephen Harper guilty of contempt of Parliament which under parliamentary law (Canada Elections Act, 2000) is a federal crime that bars Harper from seeking

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-60093736009746491712011-03-25T17:04:00.000-04:002011-03-25T17:04:35.073-04:00

The biggest news today is the defeat of the Harper government to the opposition by the non-confidence vote signing contempt of democracy of 156 to 145.  Prime Minister Harper will meet with Governor General Johnson tomorrow to dissolve Parliament.   Canadians will be going to the polls in about five weeks in early May.  It will be the fourth federal election in seven years!  More to come as this

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-59715707343529026932011-03-17T17:39:00.000-04:002011-03-17T17:39:07.091-04:00

On the heels on a recession and skyrocketing electricity prices combined with the federal and provincial governments' heavy handed taxation, Canadians are now facing inflated food prices.  The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization recently reported its food price index increased 2.2% in February, the eighth straight month of food price increases.  George Weston, owner of Weston Foods

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-38104622416345980402011-03-04T15:20:00.000-05:002011-03-04T15:20:01.468-05:00

Recently the CRTC made the decision to impose new fews on the majority of internet users in Canada.  The result of this decision would allow usage-based internet billing that many across Canada are seeing as price gouging, and rightly so.  The OpenMedia team is working with some of the best public interest lawyers, citizens groups, content creatores, indie ISOs and online service providers to

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-76924816473787334142011-02-11T18:13:00.000-05:002011-02-11T18:13:22.956-05:00

Thanks to the ineptness of the CRTC, Canada's National Do Not Call List is about the biggest joke Canadian taxpayers have ever paid for.  Now here's how it works.  You give your phone number to the CRTC to be listed for no calls from telemarketers.  If telemarketers call you after you phone number is on that list you can file a complaint with the CRTC who at their discretion may fine the

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-29956312357606828082011-02-03T18:26:00.001-05:002011-02-03T18:34:01.126-05:00

From this Canadian's Perspective:  The vast majority of Canadians buy all or a good portion of their food in a grocery store.  That's a given because let's face it, in Canada our growing seasons are such that we could not possibly grow all the food we want in any given year.  I am emphasizing want because for the most part many Canadians could grow what they need to help reduce food insecurity in

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-39311576453700595412011-02-02T12:11:00.000-05:002011-02-02T12:11:57.843-05:00

Winter Life on the WaterJanuary 30, 2011 We live on waterfront property on the Great Lakes waterway in beautiful Ontario.  Winters here are quite pretty!  The ice on the water never full freezes so there are pockets of open water that the various waterfowl take advantage of.  Pictured is the view from our kitchen a couple of days ago.  Today is Ground Hog Day.  Wiarton Willy's prediction this

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-11448625019548569352011-01-25T14:26:00.000-05:002011-01-25T14:26:27.839-05:00

Chemical Valley in Sarnia, OntarioJanuary 21, 201 Sarnia, Ontario is home to Chemical Valley named after the large number of industrial petro-chemical plants on the south side of the city.  Sarnia is a border city on the St. Clair River just at the mouth of Lake Huron across from Port Huron, Michigan.  A major highway artery (Hwy. 402) connects Sarnia to London, Ontario allowing the easy

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-53626219307817835312011-01-15T18:32:00.000-05:002011-01-15T18:32:50.237-05:00

source:  Toronto Star, November 7, 1931 On November 7, 1931 Schulte-United Limited announced it would be re-opening as Zellers Limited headed by Walter P. Zeller (a native of Kitchener, Ontario) on November 12, 1931.  Zeller was a Canadian businessman offering customers quality merchandise for everyday needs as well as fashionably styled merchandise.  He pledged to the buying and selling of

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-27437672243829156422011-01-04T10:43:00.000-05:002011-01-04T10:43:01.359-05:00

A new poll by CBS New has shown that Canadians are often tired.  Now this is not breaking news by any stretch of the imagination.  Canadians have been tired since the advent of electricity that allowed us to stay up past our bedtime watching our 2 channels of television.  Moving forward television moved up to cable and satellite access giving us many more channels to avoid going to sleep.  In

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-14653132292741535802011-01-03T12:44:00.000-05:002011-01-03T12:44:46.448-05:00

In addition to the world's focus on Ontario and British Columbia in 2010, both provinces created further attention for themselves by bring the controversial Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) into effect on July 1, 2010.  While this tax was supposed to simplify accounting for businesses by combining federal and provincial taxes into one tax, the HST effectively added 8% tax to 17% of consumer goods and

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-1979477194823813262011-01-02T19:37:00.001-05:002011-01-02T19:38:34.887-05:00

Two major events happened in Canada but with very different outcomes.  The Winter Olympics hosted in Vancouver, British Columbia brought fame and admiration world wide.  Canadians were impeccable hosts to the many visitors to this wonderful event.  For the first time, Canadians even showed a strong show of patriotism causing some International newspapers to comment on this uncharacteristic

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-28783833725812033992011-01-01T15:32:00.000-05:002011-01-01T15:32:10.903-05:00

Wishing all the best in 2011! Garden Gnome ©2008-2011

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-23193454578422913322010-12-29T19:04:00.000-05:002010-12-29T19:04:34.437-05:00

Here are a few of our visions of Canada from 2010.  Enjoy :) Garden Gnome ©2008-2010

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-41175407984599895902010-12-10T07:00:00.009-05:002010-12-10T07:00:09.695-05:00

Like many Canadians we are quite concerned over our food safety.  Just recently in the new there are food recalls over botulism and listeria but this seems to be a growing concern.  As Canadians we are being taxed more and yet a basic necessity as food is not safe simply because we do not have enough food inspectors that are paid for through our tax dollars?  From this Canadian's perspective

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-82409947583860848562010-12-02T12:39:00.000-05:002010-12-02T12:39:35.036-05:00

A recent study by the Canadian Centre for the Study of Living Standards has found that Toronto is the most miserable city in Canada1.  Apparently Toronto ranks rather low on the happiness scale, scoring 4.15 out of 5.  Reasons stated for the low happiness score was a lower sense of belonging to local communities combined with a higher stress level. The results of this study has me scratching my

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-51294330655007333122010-11-29T12:11:00.000-05:002010-11-29T12:11:47.415-05:00

It is with great sadness to hear that Canadian actor Leslie Nielsen passed away on Novemeber 28, 2010 at the age of 84.  While he was in more than 100 films he is best know for his role as a hapless doctor in Airplane (1980) and the accident-prone detective Frank Drebin in the Naked Gun comedies. RIP Leslie and thanks so much for all the chuckles.  Your legacy will live on... Garden Gnome ©

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-89038700010014234442010-11-26T07:00:00.006-05:002010-11-26T07:00:03.799-05:00

Given the recent political nonsense in Canada a bit of humour is needed.  Here is the video clip of Rick Mercer's Front Page.  Enjoy the chuckle! Garden Gnome ©2008-2010

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-2099471903429551202010-11-25T11:34:00.000-05:002010-11-25T11:34:31.837-05:00

Elections BC rejected the application for recall in the suburban Victoria riding of Oak Bay-Gordon Head, saying it contains too many words1.  They ruled that HST and MLA are not two word but rather eight resulting in the petition exceeding the 200-word allotment. From this Canadian's perspective, give me a break!  The acronyms HST and MLA are part of the Canadian vocabulary.  Insisting these

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-68211048717780320852010-11-23T07:00:00.005-05:002010-11-23T07:00:11.898-05:00

Winston Blackmore and James Oler, leaders of an obscure fundamentalist Mormon community in Bountiful, British Columbia have the province in a quandary.  This religious group practices polygamy, meaning to have more than one wife.  Blackmore has 19 wives and more than 100 children while Oler has three wives according to police and more than 50 of Oler's followers are in polygamous relationships. 

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-90823655860462853792010-11-20T19:14:00.000-05:002010-11-20T19:14:17.269-05:00

Originally the TOU electricity pricing came into effect in Ontario as a way for foster energy conservation.  The concept was rather simple that by shifting certain electricity uses to off-peak hours it would lessen the strain on the aging electrical grid in Ontario as well as to help phase in green sources of energy.  On the surface all this sounds quite lovely until you start analyzing it.  On

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-2478449086613308422010-11-19T07:00:00.056-05:002010-11-19T07:00:07.186-05:00

This certainly has to be one of the most depressing times since I can remember to live in Ontario.  During the Ontario's Fall Economic Update on November 18, 2010 a  10 per cent rebate program (Ontario Clean Energy Benefit) for all portions of electricity bills was announced.  Given that since the HST went into effect our hydro has increased by 17% this was welcomed news for many.  However, the

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-64739610347944443442010-11-18T12:11:00.000-05:002010-11-18T12:11:01.165-05:00

The HST came into effect on July 1, 2010 combining the 5% GST (federal) and 8% PST (provincial).  Previously 17% of consumer goods and services (eg. lawyers fees, real estate commissions, internet, electricity, natural gas, gasoline, hair cuts, public transportation, motel rooms etc) were PST exempt.  The HST has added 8% in tax to these goods and services.  On a personal level the added 8% on

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-30498804524928829052010-11-17T13:55:00.000-05:002010-11-17T13:55:13.203-05:00

Direct Financial Management (director David D. Richards) of Mississauga, Ontario and Elite Financial Group of Oakville, Ontario are facing a variety of fraud-related charges in the U.S. after authorities shut down an alleged scam that took close to $13 million from 13,000 consumers1.  Each company is facing eight count including misrepresentation in advertising, marketing and promotion;

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-68369342351341329022010-11-15T18:09:00.000-05:002010-11-15T18:09:53.529-05:00

The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) has had more of an impact on Ontario and British Columbia than was expected.  British Columbia's Premier Gordon Campbell resigned as a direct result of voter unpopularity of the HST.  Many are feeling the added pinch in higher prices.  It is affecting an already soft real estate market in Ontario.  It is affecting the way we shop, where we shop and how we go about

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-63658728875303828262010-11-12T07:00:00.007-05:002010-11-12T07:00:01.901-05:00

There has been a growing movement across North America to allow residents to keep a small number of chickens in their urban backyards.  I blogged about the great backyard chicken debate a few months ago.  Backyard chickens make a lot of sense as more Canadians face hunger and food insecurity.  As a result more and more municipalities are faced with the decision whether to allow backyard chickens

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-59793809308367840602010-11-11T07:00:00.003-05:002010-11-11T07:00:09.126-05:00

[Note: This is a repost from my personal blog, My Journey. It was originally posted on November 11, 2008. While I have modified the note I have kept the original contents of the post intact.  This will be the third year that I've used this wonderful video tribute to the fine men and women that serve our country.  Not only do they keep us safe they act as amazing Canadian ambassadors helping to

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-17595141014579269822010-11-10T11:16:00.000-05:002010-11-10T11:16:19.373-05:00

Brian and Linda-Lee Cassidy of Belle River, Ontario have been asked by the Cooper's Mill Retirement Community homeowners' association to take down their Canadian flag1.  According to the homeowners' association "no additions or substitutions are permitted to the exterior of homes without permission".  The Cassidys along with another resident Charles Strong refuse to take down their flags. 

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-43896085578962098942010-11-09T16:33:00.000-05:002010-11-09T16:33:48.070-05:00

Air Canada along with 10 other airlines has been fined by the European Union for price fixing and faced similar charged in Canada and the United States.  Charges were dropped against 11 other carriers and one consultancy for lack of proof they participated in the cartel.   According the European Commission those fined "co-ordinated their action on surcharges for fuel and security without

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-40380997401866293152010-11-08T18:01:00.000-05:002010-11-08T18:01:00.257-05:00

image courtesy of Canada Border Services Agency  (CBSA)November 7, 2010 My gosh!  Apparently a young Asian man boarded an Air Canada plane in Hong Kong disguised as an elderly Caucasian man and actually managed to get into Canada!  The Canada Border Services Agency was tipped off because a stewardess on board the plane thought this person's hand looked too young for his age.  The individual was

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-51599251738243663032010-11-07T15:00:00.000-05:002010-11-07T15:00:13.546-05:00

The Hydro One's Midtown Toronto Project is an electricity infrastructure renewal program between Hydro One Networks Inc. (Hydro One)  and Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited (Toronto Hydo).  This joint project will refurbish the existing 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission infrastructure serving the midtown corridor running from the Leaseide Transformer Station via Birch Junction to Bridgman

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-17079302811228280932010-11-04T07:00:00.001-04:002010-11-04T07:00:00.185-04:00

The Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell announced his resignation as premier yesterday in a special press conference. He cited voter hatred and his quickly dwindling popularity due to the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) that went into effect in British Columbia and Ontario on July 1, 2010. It will be interesting to see what the fall out from his resignation will be. One can only hope that

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-42668059669082227622010-11-03T14:36:00.000-04:002010-11-03T14:36:30.442-04:00

Federal Industry Minister, Tony Clement will announce later today whether a proposed hostile takeover of the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan by Australian-based BHP Billiton will be allowed.  The announcement is expected after 4:30 pm at the close of the North American stock markets.  Saskatchewan is dead set against a foreign takeover with Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall hinted he will

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-71520342191821139212010-11-02T16:36:00.000-04:002010-11-02T16:36:56.926-04:00

The Canadian postal code system was introduced by Communications Minister Eric Kierans in  February of 1970 although a numbered zone coding system had been in use in some major Canadian cities to varying degrees since 1925.  Toronto was the first Canadian city to use a numbered zone and the system spread to other major cities in 1940.  The new 6-digit postal code was rolled out over a four year

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-91119446417431837602010-10-28T07:00:00.002-04:002010-10-28T07:00:02.181-04:00

courtesy of CanadaFreePress Garden Gnome ©2008-2010

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-49970389438747455332010-10-27T15:31:00.000-04:002010-10-27T15:31:22.231-04:00

Alberta Justice Minister Alison Redford announced the province's intentions to file a statement of claim against tobacco companies within the next 12 months on Monday (October 25, 2010).  This brings the count to four Canadian provinces filing a lawsuit against the tobacco industry to help recover some of the health-care costs of treating smokers.  Provinces that have already filed lawsuits are

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-85113992785688301842010-10-22T20:35:00.000-04:002010-10-22T20:35:10.567-04:00

Tim Hortons, the Canadian iconic coffee-and-donut shop chain is in the news.  They are teaming up with the North West Company to open three kiosks in Nunavut's capital city, Iqaluit.  It is one of the last places in Canada to have a Tim Hortons.  Apparently Tim Hortons fans on daily flights from Ottawa to Iqaluit were bringing back dozens of donuts.  That is good news for Iqaluit if you don't

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-38135057229268995032010-10-16T07:00:00.000-04:002010-10-16T19:55:43.147-04:00

We often vacation outside of Canada and we own a vacation home outside of Canada so we have ample opportunity to compare the Canadian way of doing things to what we see outside of Canada.  Let me say there are so very many things I miss about Canada when away.  Some things seem small but others honestly are big in my books.  I'm used to being accused of having a Canadian accent which apparently I

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-35786302095747057162010-10-13T07:00:00.001-04:002010-10-13T07:00:00.367-04:00

courtesy of Canadian Free Press Garden Gnome ©2008-2010

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-79743348861794649682010-10-06T08:02:00.000-04:002010-10-06T08:02:35.375-04:00

courtesy of Canadian Free Press Garden Gnome ©2008-2010

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-21684124957369606312010-10-04T07:00:00.029-04:002010-10-04T07:00:00.945-04:00

By far the most recognized mounted police in Canada and a true Canadian icon is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) often referred to as the Mounties.  The RCMP is the federal police force that has jurisdiction Canada wide.  There are several RCMP detachments throughout Canada with a total of 28,700 officers over 15 districts. However, other municipalities across Canada have regional or

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-11199000618682650232010-10-03T07:00:00.012-04:002010-10-03T07:00:04.210-04:00

In recent Canadian news the focus has been the long gun registry and the long census form.  Once again Rick Mercer turns politics into a bit of humour.  He really is a national treasure! It looks like the entire showing would have been a good laugh from all the video clips.  Unfortunately I did not get to see it.  At any rate, in his ultimate way of explaining all things pertaining to Canadian

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-76739702524784581132010-10-02T07:00:00.020-04:002010-10-02T07:00:02.593-04:00

Oh my gosh, it would appear that the Rick Mercer Report was a good one on September 28 and I missed it! His rants are usually pretty good and they do present very valid viewpoints.  This is an excellent rant based on Prime Minister Stephen Harper's comments on Canadian regions in follow-up to Cabinet Minister's John Baird's recent comments on the long gun registry vote.  Harper actually went on

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-34197971824769785422010-10-01T14:21:00.000-04:002010-10-01T14:21:57.187-04:00

Canadians in general love to poke fun at other Canadians and why not because a good sense of humour is a Canadian tradition.  Heck when our land is covered with snow a good portion of the year a sense of humour goes a long ways to making life pleasant.  Poking a bit of fun at other Canadians is more than acceptable but poking fun at Canadian politician, well now, that is a must do.  Keeping the

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-34345523925471510102010-09-26T13:22:00.000-04:002010-09-26T13:22:48.925-04:00

Pierre Elliott Trudeau was the 15th Prime Minister of Canada from 20 April 1968 to 4 June 1979.  He served again from 3 March 1980 to 30 June 1984.  He was one of the best Prime Ministers Canada has ever had.  He is know for establishing the Charter of Rights and Freedoms under the Canadian constitution.  Here is a wonderful tribute to some of his many, many achievements! Garden Gnome ©

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-72180525957994908972010-09-24T10:15:00.058-04:002010-09-24T10:34:36.983-04:00

Many Americans feel there is little difference between Canada and the United States.  That simple is not the case.  Canadian societal beliefs are significantly different from Americas and that can easily be demonstrated by the way both countries treat immigrants.  This is a fundamental difference between the two countries.  It shapes the way Canadians view the world, how we interact as a society

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-3800074744987307942010-09-22T13:44:00.000-04:002010-09-22T13:44:43.990-04:00

Yesterday I gave the information on an official travel advisory issued by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advising against Canadians traveling in the northern border region between Mexico and the United States.  When an official travel advisory is issued there are several things to consider for any travel to the area or country noted in the travel advisory. It is best to avoid

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-81493272453034684962010-09-21T14:50:00.000-04:002010-09-21T14:50:22.021-04:00

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has issued an official travel advisory for Canadians to avoid crossing Mexico’s northern border (between US and Mexico) by land, as shootouts, attacks, and illegal roadblocks may occur at any time.  This region is experiencing a high level of violence linked to drug trafficking.  There have been reports of carjackings targeting SUVs and full-sized

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-23599749069138340432010-09-02T17:19:00.000-04:002010-09-02T17:19:10.399-04:00

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has recently made two important rulings.   First the phone companies in Canada must pay back about $310 million to urban customers who were overcharged between 2002 and 2006.  This will result in rebates between $25 and $90 per customer.  Second the CRTC approved expanding broadband internet to 287 rural and remote

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-27831450275284182902010-08-25T14:48:00.000-04:002010-08-25T14:48:16.474-04:00

In 1967 Canada celebrated it's centennial year of confederation.  The 1967 International and Universal Expedition commonly called Expo 67 held from  April 27 to October 29 of that year in Montreal, Quebec was the main celebration.   Expo 67 set a lot of records becoming the most successful World's Fair of the 20th century.  Sixty-two nations participated in Expo 67.  Over 50 million visitors

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-83472827112446320382010-08-24T16:35:00.001-04:002010-08-24T18:30:09.038-04:00

On July 1, 2010 the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) came into effect in Ontario and British Columbia.  Statistics Canada predicted that the HST would cost each family living in those provinces an additional $512 annually.  On August 20 Statistics Canada released reported that consumer prices in Ontario rose 2.9 per cent in July1.  According to Statistics Canada this is the largest year to year

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-81357246064935080412010-08-18T16:27:00.000-04:002010-08-18T16:27:39.059-04:00

In an effort to curb unsolicited telemarketing calls there is a National Do Not Call Registry set up by the CRTC.  You simply register your telephone number in the registry which is then provided to telemarketers,  clients of telemarketers and other subscribers to prevent telemarketing calls to your phone number.  In theory this sounds wonderful, doesn't it?  Legitimate companies don't waste

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-76789029286312918742010-08-17T14:58:00.000-04:002010-08-17T14:58:51.021-04:00

The results of a survey by Statistics Canada measuring the levels of various contaminants in the urine and blood of Canadians aged six to 79 was released on August 116, 2010. Somewhat not surprising at least to me is they found  91% of Canadians have detectable bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is a chemical used to make some hard plastics such as baby bottles and reusable water bottles.  I became quite

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-22611115078738617712010-08-13T12:46:00.000-04:002010-08-13T12:46:42.987-04:00

A couple of days ago there were reports of a ship of Sri Lankans heading towards British Columbia seeking refugee status.  Yesterday the MV Sun Sea was intercepted off Vancouver Island and boarded by Canadians (RCMP, navy) and escorted to CFB Esquimalt near Victoria where it docked this morning.  The small vessel had about 490 migrants on board, many women and children.  Several are ill from

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-88672927897823215722010-08-10T22:35:00.000-04:002010-08-10T22:35:41.296-04:00

We are huge foodies here so eating local and supporting local farmers makes a lot of sense to us.  We try to eat as much as possible within a 100 km radius of our home.  Surprisingly in our little corner of Canada that is quite possible.  Canada produces some of the finest foods there are so there is no excuse to not support local Canadian growers.  Here is a short video clip I found to reiterate

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-227579532228571552010-07-26T17:03:00.000-04:002010-07-26T17:03:48.667-04:00

We are real foodies here so would like to share with you that July 31, 2010 is the 8th annual cost-to-coast Food Day in Canada.   This event is a national celebration of restauranteurs, suppliers, grower, farmers and foodies who enjoy Canada's unique culinary diversity and creativity.  We will be celebrating with all Canadian foods that day but then we eat mainly Canadian foods most days.  Dinner

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-51226482476568675282010-07-23T12:43:00.000-04:002010-07-23T12:43:00.246-04:00

Straw BalesJuly 21, 2010 A drive through the countryside is always a pleasant diversion.  The farmers a baling straw this time of year which gives ample photo opportunities.  Straw is an important cash crop in our area.  It is used for both animal bedding and feed.  There are various ways that they bale straw with rectangle and round bales being the two main ones.  A freshly mowed field of straw

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-35004098455896301532010-07-22T07:00:00.008-04:002010-07-22T07:00:02.879-04:00

InukshukJune 14, 2006 An Inukshuk is a stone landmark or cairn that resembles a human.  In Innuit it means I was here and serves for navigation, as a point of reference, a marker for hunting grounds, or as a food cache.  As a point of reference the arms are aligned along the north, south axis.  These are common landmarks along the northern regions of the Bruce Trail and in northern Ontario. 

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-78559651915658867452010-07-21T14:05:00.000-04:002010-07-21T14:05:28.669-04:00

Like many Canadians we travel to the United States.  This gives me ample opportunity to compare similar products for similarities and differences.   Kraft Dinner topped with ketchup is reputed to be Canada's national food.  So I thought it would be interesting to compare the packaging from a box of Canadian Kraft Dinner and it's American counterpart Macaroni & Cheese. Details - Kraft Dinner (

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-70710383838147910292010-07-20T07:00:00.027-04:002010-07-20T07:00:04.205-04:00

Bruce Trail Northern Terminus CairnJune 14, 2006 We have hiked portions of the Bruce Trail mainly between Tobermory, Ontario and Lion's Head, Ontario on the Bruce Peninsula several times.  We tend to focus on the trail portion that wanders through Bruce Peninsula National Park near the Cypress Lake Campground.  The trail can be rather challenging in this area.  The guys with kids in tow have

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-19644150435206791282010-07-19T13:04:00.000-04:002010-07-19T13:04:43.181-04:00

Niagara Escarpment PlaqueJune 14, 2006 The village of Tobermory is located at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula about 300 km northwest of Toronto.  The Niagara Escarpment plaque marking the northern extremity shoreline of the Niagara Escarpment is on Bay Street overlooking Little Tub Harbour.  It was erected by the Niagara Escarpment Commission in 1976. Garden Gnome ©2008-2010

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-54590593338544882362010-07-17T07:00:00.003-04:002010-07-17T07:00:04.662-04:00

Yesterday I focused on how civil liberties were denied during the G20 Summit (June 25 - 27, 2010) in Toronto, Ontario.  Today I want to focus on the fundamental freedoms that essential gives every Canadian the right to peaceful protest (demonstration).  The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms under the Constitution Act of 1982 states that every Canadian: 2. Everyone has the following

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-7456111597969563992010-07-16T07:00:00.011-04:002010-07-16T07:00:08.764-04:00

Copy of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (courtesy Dept of Secretary of State, Canada) The G20 Summit recently held in Toronto brought to light several issues surround protesters.  During this the time period of June 25 to June 27 we saw peaceful demonstration, rioting, unpeaceful demonstration and police abuse of their authority to the point of denying as well as infringing on civil

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-45688591534723464162010-07-15T07:00:00.003-04:002010-07-15T07:00:07.001-04:00

Indian Head CoveJune 12, 2006 Indian Head Cove lies just east of the Grotto at Bruce Peninsula National Park.  It is a favourite spot for swimmers and scuba divers.  The name of the cove comes from the shape of the rocks that resemble an Indian head.  The Bruce Trail goes out along the rocks so you can get rather close to the edge.  While we did not hike the Bruce Trail or up to look out over the

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-57508681010423446392010-07-14T11:56:00.000-04:002010-07-14T11:56:49.424-04:00

Cypress LakeJune 12, 2006 One of our favourite camping spots is Cyprus Lake Campground at Bruce Peninsula National Park.  The campground opens onto Cyprus Lake.  It is rustic with no serviced sites but the atmosphere and landscape is well worth it!  Cyprus Lake Campground is about 15 km south of Tobermory, Ontario where the Bruce Trail begins.  The trail runs through the park an along with other

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-33205535134871709282010-07-11T13:20:00.000-04:002010-07-11T13:20:59.058-04:00

The North ChannelJuly 10, 2010 The St. Clair River connects Lakes Huron and St. Clair with the mouth opening onto Lake St. Clair.  The North Channel branches off to the west of St.Clair River at Algonac, MI emptying into Anchor Bay.  Anchor Bay is a bay off of Lake St. Clair.  The channel and bay is not deep enough for lake freighters but the area is a very popular boating spot enjoyed by both

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-28882088047985872172010-07-10T07:00:00.073-04:002010-07-10T07:00:03.504-04:00

The controversy over the police actions during the G20 Summit in Toronto continues to make waves across.  An article by the Torontoist questions whether the police broke the law during the G20.  They indicate that the legal implications of the police actions include: failure to stop Saturday’s riot misleading people about the fence actions toward individuals Much of the concern over the police

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-59663332398001485812010-07-09T07:00:00.027-04:002010-07-09T07:00:10.886-04:00

Know Your ShipsJuly 8, 2010 Many on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway do a bit of boatwatching as entertainment.  The variety of boats traveling the Great Lakes waterways is quite impressive ranging from smaller pleasure craft to the tall ships to the lake freighters and International ocean going vessels.  Marine Publishing Co., Inc. publishes an annual book called Know Your Ships.  This

Garden Gnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07560748179792613782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829689657887634880.post-62058788084167749852010-07-08T10:16:00.000-04:002010-07-08T10:16:52.251-04:00

The AlgoeastJuly 3, 2010 Lake freighters are a common sight on the Great Lakes waterways.  Pictured is the Algoeast heading out onto Lake St. Clair.  The Algoeast is owned by the Algoma Central Corporation in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.  The vessel was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industrys Ltd in Shimonoseki, Japan in 1877.  It served as the Texaco Brave from 1977 to 1986, Le Brave from 1986 to 1997

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Declared Canadian Territory July 3, 2010 We live on the beautiful Great Lakes waterway and like many have a boat.  We boat on Lakes Huron and St. Clair, the St. Clair River and smaller connecting waterways.  Yesterday we went out to the mouth of the St. Clair River where it enters Lake St. Clair.  There is a great swim hole there that is a rather popular summer boating destination.  On the way

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Like many Canadians our Canaday Day celebrations span the entire weekend.  It has been a wonderful year so far for Canada.  We have hosted the world for the most part with style, grace and quiet patriotism.  Of note we hosted the Winter Olympics in British Columbia marked with an uncharacteristic show of flag waving patriotism.  We hosed two international summits, the G8 in Huntsville, Ontario

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Yesterday we celebrated the official Canada's 143rd Birthday.  For many Canadians including ourselves the celebration will continue on throughout the weekend.  Our celebration will focus on the four Fs - family, friends, food and fun along with the two Cs - Canada, community.  It is a wondrous time of the year to be thankful that we live in such a beautiful county, one of the richest countries in

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Garden Gnome ©2008-2010

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The aftermath of the G20 Summit held in Toronto, Ontario has left a sour taste in many mouths!  Many of the events that unfolded have over shadowed any positives of the G20 and in fact negated them, reflecting poorly on Ontario and ultimately Canada.  Looking back on the events, who has lost and what are the implications? protest organizers - The anti-G20 protests began on June 25, 2010 with a

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Saturday (June 26, 2010) was a day of violence and rioting in Toronto, Ontario.  The Ontario government had quietly given the police extra powers by declaring the G20 security zone a public work under the Public Works Protection Act (1939).  The G20 protests started on the 25th with anti-G20 demonstrations some of which included the Black Bloc anarchists who have since been blamed for the rioting

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In Saturday's  post, Ontario Government Quietly Give Police Greater Power, I wrote about the Ontario government declaring the G20 security zone a public work under the Public Works Protection Act (1939).  The temporary designation is in force from June 21 to June 28.  I like others question the constitutionality of this temporary designation that essentially turned turned the G20 security zone

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On the heels of yesterday's post, Ontario Government Quietly Give Police Greater Power, the downtown area of Toronto was turned into a virtual war zone.  What started as a peaceful demonstration for abortion and women's rights quickly turned into a nightmare as the Black Bloc virtually took over the protest.  The Black Bloc are an anarchist movement rather than an actual group.  They dress

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