Republican White Christmas

This bothers me.

It bothers me because I am not sure if it is really, seriously, the Republican NC Official Christmas Card for 2016 or whether it is a joke. I honestly would not be surprised at this point if it was real.

Which says a lot about my opinion of the Republican Party, the so-called "alt-right" (which is code for white supremacy), and the KKK members that Donald Trump is currently picking to fill posts in his government.

Take for example the guy Donald Trump chose to head law enforcement in America. He picked the biggest racist he could find, during a time in which police are murdering African Americans willy nilly and getting caught on video doing it again and again. Picking a gigantic racist sends a strong message to American police. It says "Go ahead. Shoot as many as you want."

You know how some Americans were joking about moving to Canada?

Well here is an idea for any Americans reading this.

You should seriously move to Canada. Don't joke about it.

Start looking for a job here and look into moving to Canada. Start doing it today. You don't need to move here permanently either. Just work here, then in 4 years when it is time to vote again you can go back and vote for someone sane who will try to fix the ruins that the American economy is in by then, let alone what looks like a gearing up for a civil war (white supremacists vs everyone who believes in equality).

How Coddled are Kids in Toronto?

A couple days ago I witnessed a father telling his kids (who looked to be between the ages of 8 and 12) that they cannot cross the street except at the corner) and saying that it was "Too dangerous for you kids to cross right now."

This was unusual because it was an empty street in Toronto's East York suburbia. There wasn't even a single moving car in sight.

Every car on the quiet street was parked and the nearest intersection was a good 45 second drive away at normal suburbia driving speed. This meant the kids had to walk several minutes down to the intersection, cross the street, and then walk back for several minutes.

Plus the father was present. He was right there watching them. He could have easily "supervised" them crossing the street, but instead forced them to walk down to the intersection and cross there instead.

Meanwhile I just crossed the street right in front of them, content in the knowledge that my parents were not morons and they had taught me how to cross a street and look both ways when I was about 4 years old.

Toronto kids apparently are so coddled and afraid of "parked cars" that they have to walk down the intersection. (Also, statistically speaking, aren't people more likely to get struck by a car at an intersection where there is bound to be twice as many cars???)

Ahem.

Then today it happened again. More coddling.

I was at a library and overheard a librarian who was managing a gaggle of 8 kids, all around 12 years old or so. They were making paper snowflakes with scissors and stringing popcorn with needles. (This alone bothered me, because today is November 16th and Christmas Day isn't for another 39 days!!!)

The librarian explained that they needed the older kids to do this, because the younger kids (11 or younger supposedly) might hurt themselves if they were allowed to use scissors or needles.

At which point I got tempted to turn around and ask the librarian "Seriously, how coddled are these kids that you cannot trust them with a needle?"

But I did not. Mostly because I did not want to cause a scene. They would probably think I was crazy. I can imagine what they would think or say: "How dare that strange man think children might be responsible enough to handle scissors or needles?! He must be mentally deranged or something."

This reminded me of something I saw on Facebook.

A mother had posted photos of her son doing chores around the home. Chores! How dare she?! People were accusing her of child abuse, child neglect, and saying she was an unfit mother because she had taught her son how to:

• Sweep and/or vacuum the floor.
• Pack and unpack the dishwasher.
• Mend clothing.
• Do his own laundry.
• Clean his room.
• Handwash dishes.
• Making simple meals.

Oh my! That is some serious child abuse, teaching her son how to be responsible and actually do stuff around the home.

Meanwhile my parents had trusted me when I was younger with such responsibilities as:

• Walking the dog.
• Feeding the dog and/or cats.
• Using the BBQ to make food.
• Lighting the furnace (and not burning the house down).
• Keeping the fireplace going with more firewood.
• Chopping firewood with an axe.
• Stacking firewood in rows.
• Mowing the lawn with the riding lawnmower.
• Cleaning the pool (without falling in and drowning).
• Babysitting other children.
• Fetching vegetables from the garden.
• Weeding the garden.
• Raking leaves.
• Handwash the sharp knives in the sink and put them away.

Which is to say nothing of any hobbies I had that involved woodworking, welding, or using power tools. Completely unsupervised.

So to answer my question about how coddled kids are in Toronto these days?

Extremely coddled.

To the point that if a nuclear apocalypse happened these kids (and probably their parents) would be doomed because they probably have zilch for survival skills.

In other news Donald Trump is now president elect of the USA. Hell hath clearly frozen over, so I would not be surprised if we were due for World War Three. Call me paranoid, but I have begun brushing up on my survival skills.

How to entertain your cat while driving in the rain...

How to entertain your cat while driving in the rain...

Handling Writer's Block: Tips for Overcoming Creative Challenges

Writer's block can be a frustrating and discouraging experience that affects writers of all levels. It's that dreaded moment when creativity seems to come to a halt, leaving you staring at a blank page or screen. However, with the right strategies, you can overcome writer's block and reignite your creative flow. 

Below we will explore several tips to help you navigate and overcome creative challenges, allowing your writing to flourish once again. 

Let's dive in!

1. Embrace Freewriting: Freewriting is a technique where you write continuously without worrying about grammar, structure, or coherence. Set a timer for a specific duration, such as 10 minutes, and let your thoughts flow onto the page. This process helps bypass your inner critic and allows ideas to emerge organically.

2. Change Your Environment: A change of scenery can do wonders for overcoming writer's block. Step away from your usual writing space and find a new location that inspires you. It could be a café, a park, or even a different room in your home. A fresh environment can stimulate your creativity and help break through mental barriers.

3. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your writing goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of overwhelming yourself with a whole novel or a long article, focus on writing a paragraph, a scene, or a short paragraph each day. Achieving these smaller goals can boost your motivation and build momentum.

4. Try Different Writing Exercises: Engage in writing exercises to stimulate your creativity. This could include prompts, word association, or even writing in a different genre or style. By exploring new techniques, you can unlock fresh ideas and perspectives.

5. Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care: Sometimes, writer's block is a sign of mental or creative fatigue. Take regular breaks to rest, recharge, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Practice self-care through activities like exercise, reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature. Taking care of your overall well-being can improve your mindset and rekindle your creativity.

6. Seek Inspiration: Expose yourself to various sources of inspiration. Read books, articles, and poetry within your genre or explore new genres altogether. Watch movies, listen to music, or immerse yourself in art. Exposing yourself to different forms of creativity can spark new ideas and ignite your imagination.

7. Write Through the Resistance: Even when inspiration feels elusive, make a habit of writing regularly. Set aside dedicated time each day, regardless of whether you feel inspired or not. Committing to this practice can train your brain to switch into creative mode, helping you overcome writer's block over time.

8. Find Support and Accountability: Connect with other writers or join writing groups where you can share your challenges and triumphs. Engaging with a supportive community can provide encouragement, feedback, and fresh perspectives. You can also find an accountability partner who can help you stay on track with your writing goals.

9. Experiment with Different Writing Techniques: Try different writing techniques that help you bypass creative blocks. This may include brainstorming, mind mapping, or outlining your ideas. Experimentation allows you to discover which techniques resonate with you and enable your creativity to flow more freely.

10. Embrace Imperfection: Perfectionism often contributes to writer's block. Remember that first drafts are meant to be imperfect. Give yourself permission to write without judgment or self-criticism. Editing and refinement come later. Embrace the messy, imperfect process of creation and let your creativity flow without constraints.

Writer's block is a common challenge, but it doesn't have to be an insurmountable obstacle. By implementing these tips and techniques, you can overcome creative challenges, reignite your inspiration, and unlock your writing potential. Remember, creativity is a journey, and writer's block is just a temporary detour. Stay persistent, be kind to yourself, and trust in your ability to navigate through creative challenges. 

Happy writing!

Structuring Your Story: Tips for Building Effective Narrative Arcs

A well-structured narrative arc is the backbone of a compelling story. It guides readers through a journey of conflict, tension, and resolution, keeping them engaged from beginning to end. Whether you're writing a novel, short story, or screenplay, understanding how to build an effective narrative arc is essential. 

Below we will explore several tips to help you structure your story and create a powerful narrative arc that captivates your readers. 

Let's dive in!

1. Establish a Clear Beginning: A strong narrative arc starts with a clear beginning that hooks readers and sets the stage for the story. Introduce your main character, establish the setting, and present the central conflict or goal. Engage readers from the opening lines, capturing their attention and making them eager to journey further into the story.

2. Introduce Conflict and Build Tension: Conflict is the driving force behind any narrative arc. Introduce conflicts and obstacles that challenge your protagonist, creating tension and driving the plot forward. Raise the stakes gradually, increasing the intensity of the challenges your character faces. This escalation keeps readers engaged and eager to discover how the conflict will be resolved.

3. Develop Rising Action: The rising action comprises the majority of your story and is where the tension and conflict intensify. Present a series of challenges, setbacks, and moments of growth for your protagonist. Develop subplots, introduce new characters, and explore various plot twists that add depth and complexity to the narrative. Each scene should move the story forward and contribute to the rising tension.

4. Build to a Climactic Moment: The climax is the peak of your story, where the conflict reaches its most intense point. It is the moment of greatest tension and often involves a critical decision, confrontation, or realization for the protagonist. Build up to this moment effectively, keeping readers on the edge of their seats and invested in the outcome of the story.

5. Allow for Resolution and Falling Action: After the climactic moment, provide a sense of resolution and closure. Give readers the satisfaction of seeing the conflict resolved and the protagonist's journey come to a meaningful conclusion. However, remember to allow for some falling action to address loose ends, provide closure for subplots, and guide readers towards the end of the story.

6. Develop Character Arcs: Effective narrative arcs involve not only the external plot but also the internal growth and development of your characters. Allow your main character to experience personal transformation or gain new insights throughout the story. Their journey should reflect their internal struggles, desires, and emotional evolution. Well-developed character arcs add depth and resonance to your narrative.

7. Consider Pacing: Pacing is crucial for maintaining reader engagement throughout the narrative arc. Balance moments of high intensity and action with quieter, reflective scenes. Vary the rhythm to create a sense of ebb and flow, providing readers with moments of rest and anticipation. Pacing influences the overall reading experience and can enhance the impact of the story's climax.

8. Connect Themes and Motifs: Themes and motifs are the threads that weave your story together. Connect them throughout the narrative arc to create a cohesive and meaningful experience for readers. By revisiting key themes and reinforcing motifs, you create a sense of unity and purpose within your story.

9. Revise and Refine: After completing the first draft, revise and refine your narrative arc. Evaluate the pacing, character development, and the effectiveness of each plot point. Ensure that each scene and element contributes to the overall structure and enhances the narrative's impact. Be willing to make necessary adjustments and edits to strengthen your story's structure.

10. Study Successful Examples: Study successful stories within your genre or medium to understand how other authors have crafted effective narrative arcs. Analyze their structures, character arcs, and climactic moments. This analysis will provide valuable insights and inspire your own storytelling techniques.

Building an effective narrative arc is essential for creating a captivating story. By following these tips, you can structure your story in a way that engages readers, keeps them invested, and delivers a satisfying experience. Remember to balance conflict and tension, develop character arcs, and consider the pacing and resolution. With a well-structured narrative arc, your story will resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact. 

Happy writing!

If Meat Eaters behaved like Vegans do

I found this to be particularly funny. Having met quite a few vegans who invariably behave like this, it was very amusing to see the opposite as a parody.

If vegans truly wanted to convert people to their diet, they would be better off just being nice to people and stop the whole "holier than thou" approach. Because annoying people just isn't working.

Finding Your Voice as a Writer: Tips for Developing a Unique Writing Style

As a writer, your voice is your artistic signature—the distinctive style that sets your work apart from others. Developing a unique writing style is an ongoing process of self-discovery and creative exploration. It takes time and practice to find your voice, but once you do, it becomes a powerful tool for self-expression and connecting with readers. 

Below we will explore several tips to help you find your voice as a writer and develop a unique writing style. 

Let's dive in!

1. Read Widely and Analyze: Reading extensively exposes you to various writing styles, genres, and voices. Analyze the works of different authors, noting their techniques, word choices, and narrative approaches. By studying diverse writing styles, you gain inspiration and insight into what resonates with you.

2. Write Freely and Authentically: Allow yourself to write freely, without self-judgment or concern for perfection. Embrace your unique thoughts, ideas, and perspectives. Write authentically, using language and expressions that come naturally to you. Your writing should reflect your true voice and reflect who you are as an individual.

3. Experiment with Different Styles: Don't be afraid to experiment with different writing styles and genres. Write poetry, try your hand at short stories, explore non-fiction, or attempt different tones and moods. By experimenting, you expand your creative boundaries and discover what resonates with you most.

4. Embrace Your Passions and Interests: Writing about topics that ignite your passion will naturally infuse your work with your unique voice. Explore subjects that deeply interest you, whether they are hobbies, personal experiences, or social issues. Writing about what you genuinely care about will bring authenticity and enthusiasm to your words.

5. Be Mindful of Word Choice: Choose your words deliberately, as they contribute to the tone and style of your writing. Consider the connotations, imagery, and emotional impact of the words you use. Experiment with different vocabulary to find the words that best convey your intended meaning and create the desired atmosphere.

6. Develop a Consistent Tone: Consistency in tone helps establish your unique writing style. Determine the emotional tone you want to convey—whether it's humorous, introspective, or poetic—and maintain it throughout your work. Consistency creates coherence and familiarity for your readers.

7. Find Your Rhythm and Flow: Writing has its own rhythm and flow. Pay attention to the cadence of your sentences and paragraphs. Experiment with sentence lengths, punctuation, and pacing to create a rhythm that suits your style. A well-crafted rhythm adds musicality and enhances the reader's experience.

8. Edit and Refine: The editing process allows you to refine your writing style. Review your work critically, paying attention to sentence structure, grammar, and clarity. Make intentional choices to strengthen your voice and ensure your writing aligns with your intended style.

9. Embrace Feedback and Growth: Seek feedback from trusted peers, mentors, or writing groups. Listen to their perspectives, constructive criticism, and suggestions. Embrace the opportunity for growth and improvement. Feedback can provide valuable insights that help you refine and strengthen your unique writing voice.

10. Write with Passion and Persistence: Ultimately, finding your voice as a writer requires passion and persistence. Keep writing, exploring, and experimenting. Embrace the joy of the writing process and the freedom to express yourself authentically. With time and dedication, your unique voice will emerge and flourish.

Finding your voice as a writer is a personal and transformative journey. By reading widely, experimenting with styles, and embracing authenticity, you'll develop a unique writing style that reflects your individuality. Remember to be patient, persistent, and open to growth as you refine your voice. Embrace the power of your words and let your unique writing style shine through, captivating readers and leaving a lasting impact. 

Happy writing!

The Power of Setting: Tips for Creating Vivid and Evocative Descriptions

Setting is more than just a backdrop for your story; it's a powerful tool that can transport readers to vivid and immersive worlds. Through descriptive and evocative writing, you can bring your settings to life, engaging readers' senses and creating a rich atmosphere. 

Below we will explore several tips to help you harness the power of setting and craft descriptions that leave a lasting impact on your readers. 

Let's dive in!

1. Observe and Research: To create authentic and detailed settings, start by observing the world around you. Take note of the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of different places. Additionally, conduct research to gather information about specific settings or time periods. By immersing yourself in the details, you can bring a sense of realism to your descriptions.

2. Engage the Senses: Appeal to the senses in your descriptions to fully immerse readers in the setting. Go beyond visual descriptions and incorporate sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations. Describe the way the air feels, the sounds that surround the characters, and the scent that lingers in the atmosphere. This sensory engagement creates a more vivid and immersive experience for readers.

3. Use Vivid and Specific Language: Choose your words carefully to create powerful and precise descriptions. Utilize vivid adjectives, strong verbs, and sensory language to paint a vivid picture in readers' minds. Instead of simply stating that a place is "beautiful," describe the colors, textures, and elements that make it so. Specific and evocative language enhances the reader's understanding and emotional connection to the setting.

4. Show, Don't Tell: Rather than telling readers what the setting looks like, show it through the characters' experiences and observations. Use their perspectives and reactions to reveal the details of the setting. Instead of saying a room is luxurious, show the plush velvet curtains, the sparkling chandeliers, and the ornate furniture. Showcasing the setting through the characters' interactions brings it to life in a more engaging way.

5. Create a Sense of Place and Time: Setting is influenced by both place and time. Provide context that conveys the era, location, and cultural aspects that shape the setting. Use historical or geographical details, local customs, and societal influences to add depth and authenticity to your descriptions. By capturing the essence of place and time, you transport readers to a fully realized world.

6. Use Setting to Reflect Mood and Tone: The setting can reflect and enhance the mood and tone of your story. Choose settings that align with the emotions and atmosphere you want to convey. A gloomy and stormy setting may reflect a sense of foreboding, while a vibrant and bustling cityscape may evoke excitement and energy. Thoughtfully selecting settings that complement the story's mood creates a more immersive experience for readers.

7. Balance Description with Action: While descriptive writing is essential for setting the scene, be mindful of the balance between description and action. Too much description can slow down the pace of the story. Integrate descriptions into the narrative, interweaving them with character actions and dialogue. This creates a dynamic and engaging reading experience.

8. Show the Setting's Impact on Characters: The setting should influence and impact your characters. Describe how they interact with their environment, how it affects their mood, and how they navigate the space. The setting can act as a mirror for the characters' emotions, beliefs, and conflicts. By showing this interaction, you deepen the connection between the characters and their surroundings.

9. Edit and Revise: After writing your setting descriptions, review and revise them. Look for opportunities to refine and enhance the language, eliminate unnecessary details, and strengthen the impact of the setting. Ensure that your descriptions are concise, vivid, and purposeful.

10. Read and Learn from Masters of Setting: Study the works of renowned authors known for their masterful use of setting. Read books, stories, and poems that excel in creating vivid and evocative descriptions. Analyze their techniques and learn from their ability to transport readers through setting.

The power of setting lies in its ability to create an immersive and memorable reading experience. By incorporating these tips for creating vivid and evocative descriptions, you can bring your settings to life, engage readers' senses, and enhance the impact of your storytelling. So, let your words paint vibrant landscapes, build atmospheric worlds, and captivate your readers through the magic of setting. 

Happy writing!

Ballet Dancer

I just like this photo.

Oh no, not the Fenians!

 I saw this a few months ago and felt it was funny in light of the uproar regarding Syrian refugees.

Fenians, as you may or may not recall, were Irish "terrorists" from the 19th century who were reviled because they "bred like rabbits", were violent religious fanatics (Catholics) and a nation of drunkards.

"Like many of you I was shocked to hear of the recent Fenian attacks on Fort Erie. How can our government allow Irish immigrants to flow into this United Province of Canada while we continue to be terrorized by Fenian religious zealots? Every Sunday in Catholic churches across the land, radical preachers are whipping their flocks into a cataclysmic frenzy, urging them to cram their Nicene orthodoxy down our throats three different ways. On every ship coming into Montreal or Halifax, hidden among the malnourished, diseased Irish there are sure to be Fenian terrorists ready to slit your throat at the first opportunity. This needs to stop now.

We all know that the Irish are a bunch of uneducated, colonial savages with a primitive religion. How will our women and children be safe while hoards of drunken Irish flow into our cities and roam the streets? Meanwhile they breed like rabbits, all part of their plan of Papist domination. It is a scientific fact that if Irish immigration continues apace Canada will be a Catholic state by 1910. Enjoy having your wine with communion, because that's all about to end. And if we let the Irish in, who's next - Ukrainians? Chinese? Musalmen?

It is our sacred duty to preserve Canadian values now, before it's too late. In 150 years your children's children will look back and know that you did the right thing.

Be sure to share this leaflet with all your friends (or at least those of them who can read... and you can probably skip the women, not like they can vote anyways). Say yes to Canada staying Canadian. Say no to Irish immigrants!

Rev. John Strachan,
York
June 1866"

Note: "Musalmen" is an older derogatory way of saying "Muslim". So evidently if we are still worried about "Musalmen" then we really have not progressed much in the last 150 years.

It should also be noted that Irish slavery (that being the slavery of Irish people by the British) only ended in 1833 in Britain and in the East Indies in 1843, so when the above letter was written in 1866 many Irish were still considered to be "less than human" by many people in Britain and America. The history of Irish slavery isn't often spoken of, but it is the reason why many African-Americans also have mixed Irish blood.

African slaves were more expensive during the 1600s (50 sterling silver) whereas Irish slaves were cheap (5 sterling) because they might run away and gain their freedom somehow. At the time a practice developed of breeding Irish women with African men to produce more expensive children slaves. The practice not only allowed the masters to make more money, but also to ensure that if the Irish women ever gained their freedom they would stick around for the sake of their children - which being mixed race, were considered to be less likely to ever be emancipated.

The American Emancipation Proclamation in 1862-63 meant that suddenly everyone was free, Irish slaves and African slaves, and the slave masters (in the southern states where slavery was still practiced) were none too pleased about it. The American Civil War (1861 to 1865) happened around the same time, and thus the two events are often considered to be a war about slavery - although this is hardly the only reason. The main reason was because the southern states wanted to form their own country and live independently with their own rules (something Texas to this day continues to claim it wants to do).

During it all many Irish freed slaves went north, settling in Chicago, Boston and other locations now famous for its Irish heritage. Many African freed slaves also went north, some to Canada, and others to various locations where they felt more welcome.

Fast forward to 2016.

Canada.

One of the most welcoming countries in the world. Arguably the least racist, more open minded. It is often called the best country in the world. A veritable Mecca of diversity of races, religions and ethnicities.

But that doesn't mean we don't have mean people who say awful things about immigrants or refugees. Just look at the Conservative Party of Canada and you know how blatantly racist they are, even if they won't always admit it.

But it really is no surprise that Canada is the #1 choice for many refugees to come to. Free education, free health care, an open and free democracy that 'on paper at least' is accepting of immigrants of all nationalities and has such a great reputation internationally.

Unfortunately our reputation wasn't enough to save Aylan Kurdi, the little boy whose parents applied to immigrate to Canada as refugees. Chris Alexander, the Minister of Immigration under the 2015 Conservative Party of Canada personally vetoed the family's application to Canada. Why? Because the Conservative Party of Canada is racist. It is as simple as that. Chris Alexander is a racist. Just one of many in the Conservative Party.


New Democrat MP Fin Donnelly, personally delivered a letter to Minister Chris Alexander asking for his help from his office for young Alan Kurdi and his family, and Chris Alexander vetoed the idea, and later denied ever receiving an application even though all the paper work was handed in and he had received a personal letter from a fellow MP requesting the admission of the family to Canada.

And so Alan Kurdi took his young son on a dangerous boat trip to Greece, trying to make his way towards Germany, their 2nd choice to immigrate to, and desperately trying to get there. But the boat capsized and many refugees drowned, including the boy, Aylan Kurdi, below.

And we should note their last name: Kurdi. The Kurds were NATO's allies during the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, and continue to be our allies during the war with ISIL in Syria. Now admittedly that is reading into the name quite a bit, but it seems silly that would we deny entry to Canada to people who are:

A. Not our enemy.
B. Our allies which fought alongside us in various wars.

I will give another example:

During the Afghanistan War the USA offered Green Cards to Afghan translators and guides to help American troops during the occupation of Afghanistan. They fought alongside the troops, translated for them, kept them alive in dangerous situations, put themselves at risk, and for what?

It took the U.S. government YEARS to process and finally issue Green Cards to the thousands of translators and guides who assisted them during that war. Many of them NEVER even got their Green Card and gave up on ever getting it because the American government gave them a ridiculous bureaucratic runaround of forms to fill out in order to make it practically impossible for them to ever become American citizens.

What this really shows is the lengths governments (and the people in power) will go to in order to make it as hard as possible to move to a country and become a citizen there.

And Canada isn't much better. We are actually worse. Canada is the HARDEST country in the world to immigrate to. Worse than the USA.

But we do have loopholes. eg. If you are rich, Canada will let you in if you are promising to bring your money to Canada and start a business. So really what that means is anyone with lots of money can immigrate to Canada, but people who are refugees - who need a country where they can be free and safe from war and violence - are left to die on the beaches of uncaring world.

And it doesn't matter whether you are Irish, African or Syrian. People need a country they can call home.