Boys Night Out . . . .

No, not in the queer bars - we're past that stage in our lives. "drf" and I joined 4 other friends for a trip to the Pacific Coliseum to see our first professional hockey game last night. Although speaking of queers, half of our group would have been quite pleased if a locker room trip after the game had been included in our ticket price. But I digress . . . .

The Vancouver Giants of the WHL (Western Hockey League according to a young lady seated next to me) hosted the Seattle Thunderbirds. As luck would have it, the Giants annihilated the Seattle team by a score of 7 to 3 - Yay for our side! The last time either "drf" or myself had seen a live hockey game was in Atlanta, Georgia when the Flames were still there back in the late '70's. We both agreed that the Pacific Coliseum venue was much preferred to the large - at the time - Omni in Atlanta. At least you could actually follow the action and the puck here. We'll definitely attend more games as our life here progresses. (Perhaps next time we'll bring our pom-poms and join the limited cheer leading squad as they could use a little help.)

It was also announced prior to our leaving the strata for the game that local crooner Michael Buble has purchased a minority ownership interest in the Giant's operation. We're thinking the singing of "O Canada" may have some new talent featured in the very near future . . . .

Texas Two Step . . . .

To keep you up to speed, here's what's been going on:

I left Vancouver on Tuesday - yes, the day of the US election - for some time in our Florida residence. (Would anyone like to take it off our hands?!?!) The weather here has been glorious, as I expected it to be. Autumn in this part of the world is typically spectacular - barring any tropical storms.

So, I got to see the election results while actually being in the country involved. No big surprise, but at least the outcome was a positive one in light of the alternative. Now, let's hope Mr. Obama can deliver on his promise of "change." The proof will be in the results.

The following two video compilations have crossed my radar screen since arriving here, and I wanted to share them with you. They are indicative of some of the reasons "drf," The Four Footed Child, and myself felt compelled to leave this place for a better place. Coincidentally - or perhaps not - both take place in Texas, home of an infamous current - and soon to be former (we hope) - President.






And then this.

So. As I stated in a "queerie" posed by our friend MSEH in her upcoming ex-pat analysis:

As for actually moving back because of Obama's election, the answer is an emphatic "No." Granted, given the alternative, his election is an improvement and a BIG improvement over the past eight years. However, the US corporate power structure has taken decades to become entrenched, and a 4-year or 8-year Obama administration will not and can not substantially change that situation. That said, what would be the benefit to returning to the States? Nothing will be fundamentally different than it has been during my lifetime. There will still be a focus on military might, a lack of caring for it's citizen's welfare, gross inequities in income levels and a tendency to inject religion into politics and government.

We didn't make the decision to apply for Permanent Resident status and eventual Canadian citizenship on a whim. The two-plus year process gave us plenty of time to reconsider should we have had doubts.

Canada is by no means perfect, but in comparison to the US it's no contest for me.

I'm staying right here, thank you very much.

Is it any wonder we left?

I think not . . . .

Campaiging Canadian Style . . . .

Some photos from my activities on the local political scene here in Vancouver comprise today's post.

As noted here, my efforts are directed toward getting Michael Byers elected as the NDP MP in the Vancouver Centre riding. Recent polls show the NDP gaining ground both in BC and nationally.


















Anything I can do to keep harper from obtaining a majority government will be well worth it. If you're an eligible voter (we can't for three years), please exercise your right to vote and keep him and his ilk from destroying the Canada we worked so hard to emigrate to . . . .