Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Bizarre Human Customs: Safe Injection Sites

Author note: I couldn't resist talk about this issue....On vacation starting...now.

In the year 5000 CE archaeologists and anthropologists are investigating the civilization known as Canada circa around 2000CE. One discovery has puzzled anthropologists for months. The discovery was evidence of what this society referred to as "In-site." Newspaper articles were discovered in a well-preserved time capsule.

“In-site” was also known as a “safe-injection site” was a place in the city of Vancouver where people, addicted to illegal drugs were able to shoot up, supervised by medical professionals. This discovery has completely baffled our leading anthropologists.

According to the newspaper articles found, a government leader responsible for health, known as Tony Clement, was an outspoken advocate against this, questioning the ethics and morals of medical professionals supporting this pilot project. However, leaders of medical professionals, such as the Canadian Medical Association, are in support of this alternative, with individual doctors criticizing Mr. Clement’s comments as “repugnant.”

Through our other discoveries, we have learned of physician practices and rituals. After going through medical school a new physician must take a “Hippocratic oath” to promise to “first do no harm.” “In-site” is also known has a “harm reduction strategy,” however our leading scientists cannot understand how this approach reduces harm. Further to the point, it is a confusing message that we don’t understand. The articles state that these drugs are illegal. We have also learned that these drugs are highly addictive, destroy family units, and ultimately destroy the user in many cases. So we are confused with what message this sends to the rest of Canadians, especially impressionable children, as well as the rest of the world.

Another article talk about how the Head of State of Canada, Michaelle Jean, hosted the Queen Silvia of another country known as Sweden. In the article, it spoke of how these two women discussed how to deal with social problems. When the topic of illegal drug use came up, the woman had two different approaches. Michaelle Jean told the Queen about “In-site” as “an enlightened approach.” The Queen told the Governor General that Sweden, while often known as a “socialist” country, does not tolerate illegal drug use and offers drug users a choice: prison or treatment. It appear that the Queen was not impressed with Canada’s approach.

In all of our years of discovering civilizations, the discovery of a group of people in favour of a safe-injection site of additive and illegal drugs is troubling.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

On Vacation...See you in September

A reason to say "go leafs go"?

Growing up in Ottawa, I was always a Sens fan. Moving in London, ON when I was 10, I was exposed to an interesting species known as "Leafs fans." However, I am not too "fan" enough to not support the Leafs, if they are the only Canadian team left in the playoffs (unlike many Leaf fans out there). Come September, I might have a reason to support the Leafs with rumors of Mike Van Ryn--with whom I went to high school, and same elementary class as his younger sister--being traded to the Leafs.

I also went to high school with Jessica Zelinka who performed well at the Olympics (6th place)!

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Farewell Frank and Gordon


First there was the untimely demise of Joe (I AM) Canadian, then we said "bye, bye Mr. Canadian Tire guy..." Now, we must say farewell to another prominent Canadian icon...the Bell Beavers.

Sure, I loved them when the first came out...but that one beaver's voice (haven't a clue which one) drives me crazy! And so, Frank and Gordon, from the land of Bell have officially retired.

I am sure that in 10-20 years the images of these characters will return and I will reminisce to the tune of "I remember those beavers..."

My prediction of the next corporate "mascot" to retire.......the Montana's Moose and Buck.