Happy Canada Day

Happy Canada Day, everyone!

It is a lovely day here on PEI. Though I have been getting my car inspected / acclimatized, lots of people are going out to community pancake breakfast and parades today. Various communities will have fireworks tonight.

Thanks to my American friends who have send e-notes, and special thanks to JAK for a hilarious Hoops & Yoyo e-card to celebrate. She sends one every year...

CC

Happy 50th

I don't think he checks this blog, but an uncle and dear friend is 50 today! Happy Birthday, R!

As mentioned several times on here, he is one of 2 'cousins' that were massively influential on my life. (One from each side of the family, as it turns out).

CC

Sidney Crosby

I almost didn't watch OT. I nearly went for a drive.

It wasn't the shock or awe of the late goal with the goalie pulled. It was that I felt it coming, as I've seen the movie before. In 1996, the USA beat Canada in the World Cup using 6-on-5. It was the only time I've ever seen it work.

The premonition, and then the follow through here in 2010, was a dagger through the heart. I nearly left.

Even now, I'm numb. I can't believe we won. And, as Vic says, it couldn't have been scripted better for Sidney Crosby: relatively quiet all tournament, the lion came out of the cage in the span of about 2 seconds, beating the stout US netminder.

Unbelievable.

It is now, officially, an unequivocally Great Games for Canada.

CC

ps. Congrats to the US hockey team on a great Olympics, and for taking several years off my life in 2 separate games.

Happy Birthday

A Happy Birthday shout-out to my sister, C!

My sister has always been a better multi-tasker, and more eclectic, than me. She has lived and worked in the UK, played the flute in high school, completed boot camp in the armed forces, passed the bar exam, and now manages a bookstore, reading everything in sight. (Her book recommendations are consistently superlative).

She stresses as I do over doing something correctly, but doesn't carpet-bomb her social life as I did in university, and on occasion now when preparing a talk.

I consider myself very lucky to have her as a sister. As documented here, her wedding was the only time I have nailed a speech and I'm glad, for it was the most important time for me to do so. I'm tempted to recite it here, but that feels like betraying the moment.

Happy Birthday, sis!

CC

Congratulations

Congrats to Mom and Dad, who celebrate their 47th anniversary today! That is quite a run.

On behalf of the readers of CC, have a terrific day and here's wishing many more years of happiness...

CC

Happy Birthday, Dad

Today is my Dad's birthday! Can you believe it!?

My grandmother started WWI and I guess my Dad started WWII. This is ironic since both are among the most kind-hearted people I have ever known.

Happy Birthday, Dad! I hope that you have a fantastic day....

Still Brown

The title of this post comes from a comment on Facebook. Binky told me his daughter (5 years old?) said that I cannot be 40 today as I am "still brown". We believe she means the hair.

She's right. (Though I do have flecks of silver in my goatee, which may be the only attribute I have in common with Brad Pitt.)

Anyway, the comment made me laugh out loud. She is a sweetie, even if she does think I grew up in the United States (nothing wrong that -- if you did).

40. Vic is anticipating, with justification, some brooding blog post that intersects age, wisdom, and national identity. Sounds like work to me. Granted, it is definitely a toned down birthday, with wretched weather (November Rain indeed), but I think I have everything in perspective.

I'm really lucky and blessed. So far, so good.

CC

ps. I must say the 'party' over on Facebook has been enjoyable. I've had birthday wishes from many corners. Elsewhere, I've received some email and a massive, heart-warming card blitz from my Mom's side of the family. Some of them had glitter, but we forgive.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone back home in Canada!

Per tradition, I invite readers to peruse the Wikipedia article on Thanksgiving.

I ask readers world-wide to reflect today and give thanks. We are all very fortunate to be here, both in time and geography. Perhaps in 2309, our time will seem primitive but I think living in an industrialized country in 2009 is fantastic.

RIP Les Paul

Quoteth (from Wikipedia):

In January 1948, Paul was injured in a near-fatal automobile accident in Oklahoma, which shattered his right arm and elbow. Doctors told Paul that there was no way for them to rebuild his elbow in a way that would let him regain movement, and that his arm would remain permanently in whatever position they placed it. Paul then instructed the surgeons to set his arm at an angle that would allow him to cradle and pick the guitar. It took him a year and a half to recover.

For non-guitar players, Les Paul not only invented the guitar that bears his name, but also was a fantastic player and a true innovator regarding studio equipment. He is credited as a pioneer with respect to multi-track recording.

RIP.

Happy Canada Day

A quick note to wish everyone a Happy Canada Day!

The trip has been grand so far... Weather has been only fair, but good times all around, including a big meal (all food within 20 km) at Vic and Colleen's. The downsides include Mom feeling quite unwell (though she is on the upswing).

This morning, my father and I went to a pancake breakfast (for Canada Day) and sat with Federal MP Wayne Easter (distant relation). That was pretty neat.

On Twitter, I put this quote:

Et ta valeur, de foi trempée, protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

1000 CC award points for anyone who identifies it.

Cc

Happy Father's Day!

Here is a Happy Father's Day wish to my father and all the Dad-readers (and Dads-to-be) of the blog.

My one-line summary of motherhood, as is well-documented, is that there is no stronger force in nature than a mother defending her young.

For fatherhood, I think my summary is that, aside from primal elements like hunger, nothing occupies a man's mind more than trying to live up to his father's example and legacy.

There are countless examples in history, sports, and film where a guy is driven to formidable heights, all predicated on just trying to make Dad proud. From Tiger Woods to Mozart, I'd say it is one of the motivating forces of civilization.

Personally, my father set the bar extremely high, and I'm grateful.

CC

Happy Mother's Day

A note to wish a Happy Mom's Day to my Mom, and all Moms who stop by here.

I wanted to post a YouTube video of a mother defending her young, but everything is either too graphic or just weird.

Let's just say that I pity the fool that messes with Mom!

Happy Birthday, Colleen

A shout-out to my sister, who is 30-something today....

Happy Birthday!!!!