tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22378092697140437742024-03-05T12:04:29.520-06:00NormswordsNorm Richards - Writernormswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-26530831484523066352022-03-24T10:37:00.009-05:002022-03-24T10:41:48.636-05:00<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Putin War</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">By Norm Richards </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have news for Russian leader Putin. First, I'd rather not call him a president since he's been declared a war criminal. It matters little to me how official that has to be. He's killing people. That is what criminals do, kill people. The ghastly problem is he's in possession of weapons he should never have been put in charge of in the first place. What appears to me is that weapons have been stockpiling for years, even decades under his command. Now, he's using them, on people. Everything I see so far is the country he's chosen to begin using those weapons on are against a beautiful humble people, the Ukrainians. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">By all reports, the country of Ukraine is a breadbasket of humanity. They supply raw food stock to many other countries. The Putin war has stopped that. They may farm the grains but they cannot ship to markets they have been serving. Where is the logic in that? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This conflict has gone on for a month to date. Although, Putin may have believed it would be over within days. With the sheer number of troops and armor, you would think that would have been true. We have seen the live television reports in our living rooms for days as Russian troops, tanks, guns, armored vehicles approached the Ukrainian borders and began to advance into Ukraine. I think surrounding countries thought Putin would take Ukraine and regime change would be inevitable. Not so. At least, not yet. It became clear that the exercise to remove a few Nazis has turned into a full-scale struggle between a strong and determined people bent on protecting their country from invasion and Putin's will to overcome. This determination by the Ukrainians has won the hearts of the rest of the free world, at least most of it. That emotion puts pressure on each western country's political leaders to act, to find a way to save the Ukrainian people, at least those that they can even while it looks too late for some. While war continues and economic pressures are imposed on Russia, Putin, and his partners, it appears, a point may come where those around him may decide it's time for a change of Caesar. It appears the gamble Putin took by moving against Ukraine could turn against him but no one is laying odds on it yet. At the moment, he's holding his cards close to his chest and he's not showing his hand yet. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For now, the western leaders huddle in fear, today in Brussels and the rest of us sitting in our pajamas at home held to stay safe from a world pandemic on top of this imposed war, meanwhile face computer screens keeping our economy going home alone in our boudoirs. </span></p>normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-13073439508489444102020-03-31T00:37:00.000-05:002020-03-31T00:37:13.136-05:00A song by John Prine reminded me of,A "Christmas In Prison"<br />
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by Norm Richards<br />
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I guess it was Christmas 1996, when I was home with my wife just before Christmas. Things were a bit off for me and I didn't know why. I was near broke, little cash and holding it together. It was time to get a tree for the living room. We usually bought a nice tree every year because we loved, I love the smell of a fresh pine tree in the living room at Christmas. On this past weekend, I watched John Prine on Austin City Limits played on PBS over YouTube. Such a good picture and sound. I watched him again this evening on The Strombo Show recorded in December 2018. He's in hospital right now struck by the coronavirus and everyone is praying for his recovery. I learned an hour ago, he's stable.<br />
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Anyway, his song hit me like a spark. I suddenly thought about that Christmas. The relationship between my wife and I was fading. But I had no firm answer. I was torn from one possibility or another. Each action I took was desperate. I was trying to write an original screenplay at home. She went out to work each day commuting to a small town near the city. We were both pressed economically. The investment in my company had run short. Conventional financing was gone. Things depended on me finding a new program buyer and I travelled a lot. I needed manna from heaven.<br />
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By this time, my mother's care was demanding more of my time. She lived in a seniors home across town and I brought her food near daily. We sat and watched Dwight Yoakam together. She loved to watch him twist on stage the way he does. He reminded her of Elvis. She had good home care workers who prepared meals for her each day and made sure she was good. I was pleased about that. Our friends had left the city for jobs that took them away permanently. We enjoyed time spent together on holidays. Our friendships with them were genuine. Once they were gone, there was a hole in our lives. We never filled the void. It was a contributor toward us sliding away from each other.<br />
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That Christmas of 1996, was not comfortable. Her co-worker, a maintenance man who worked under her came around and offered us a free Christmas tree. I was surprised. She said it was okay and he left it on our front yard. Later, when I took it in, it was dark and didn't resemble the trees I usually picked out. Nevertheless, I took the tree in and set it up. Even after giving it some colour with our decorations, it sat there looming over us smelling bad. I felt intruded on. I shuddered from the bad vibe I felt from that tree. My wife felt pretentious to me. There was something wrong. I couldn't put a finger on it. We exchanged gifts but love was an obligation not genuine. In spring 1997, I joined the emergency broadcast team to cover the rising Red River flood waters. Away from home for fourteen hours a day at the studio was a needed distraction. By the summer of 1997, I had answers. She was in an affair with the maintenance guy. My career soon improved but my relationship didn't survive. normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-80489528379686072462020-03-29T09:59:00.000-05:002020-03-29T09:59:58.432-05:00Sunday March 29, 2020 in a World Wide Pandemic.By Norm Richards<br />
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I woke this morning with all kinds of thoughts. But most of those thoughts are questions where nobody has the answer. Even, those who have answers have already answered. I'm not satisfied. It just places us at a time of helplessness. It's not at all easy to be told you must do this and you must do that and if you don't, you could die. How could we be cornered like this so fast? How unprepared we were. How unprepared I am as I sit in my room alone with seemingly no options. What I was concerned about in the fall of 2019, is now irrelevant. But during that time, it was so very important to me.<br />
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I worked on a proposal for my next book. I researched the arts funding bodies for deadline dates so I would meet those dates and make applications on time. I met those dates and worked hard to be sure I said and did things right. Now, if the world was turning in a normal fashion and I crossed all my t's and dotted my i's right, said the right things and made it interesting enough for others, then I could expect a positive response back and I'd get funding. Well, it didn't turn out that way. My first deadline came and went. I was turned down. Given reasons but they fell short for me.<br />
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There wasn't even a pandemic or any threat of any kind at the time. All there was, was a quasi government office charged with the task of administering arts funds I'd applied for. They do not decide who gets support and who doesn't. It's decided by peer assessors in the various disciplines. Okay fine, seems simple enough. But for a couple of things. One, you don't ever get to know who assessed you. You don't really know what was on their mind that day when they looked at your proposal. You're unable to know if they are truly an artist themselves. What criteria or guideline do they follow when they look at your work? I know, what is happening today during a pandemic or other urgent events would be a factor in making decisions about who gets funding support and just how relevant it would be at this time. <br />
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Pandemic or no pandemic, I hope my applications is weighed and measured in a fair manner every time. In some ways I think it must be a thankless job being an administrator for an arts funding body, a hero to some and a dirt bag to others. It's feast or famine now too. They used to give partial funding and now they don't. You either get what you asked for or you get nothing. I wasn't told that before I applied. The budget you put in now becomes even more important. Another worry here. If you ask for too much, you're sunk, if you ask for too little you suffer later. You end up working short of money, forced to compromise as well. So why be a writer? I ask myself. Is it worth it? Well, if I have a story line I want to follow and I'm sincere about it and truthful to others, then I should keep writing. I could give you a whole bunch of other reasons why I write but I won't bother you with those details right now. Suffice to say, I love writing and the personal satisfaction of producing a publishable document is sacrosanct.<br />
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Now, I still have applications in at the arts funding bodies so I'm still hopeful, But the plans I made eight months ago and what I said in my proposals or how I said it, may not have enough urgency written into it now. We'll see. I can't recall it and bump up the volume. Let's hope that after this pandemic is over, my story material will serve a readership. May there be new reasons to publish what I write. normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-24866918276715887202018-02-01T13:54:00.001-06:002018-02-01T13:54:26.262-06:00The Challenges to Return Rail Service and seeing the Great White Bear!The Challenges to Return Rail Service and seeing the Great White Bear!<br />
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By Norm Richards<br />
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I posted the bears picture with hopes and dreams behind it that the Polar Bear will continue to live a long life while hunting for natural food out on the winter ice. It's been the experience for some time that they dig around in the Churchill, Manitoba refuse grounds for discarded human food to satisfy their hunger during the warm season. Knowledge of this, draws tourists to see them although steps are taken to discourage their bad habits. Nevertheless, they have these large swamp buggies high off the ground to serve as an observation deck at Churchill out on the tundra. People can be safe and take pictures, often up close.<br />
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Since the rail service is down with broken rails washed out in the spring last year and not yet repaired, it will be awhile before those friendly tourists can return. The Hudson Bay Railway company owned by Winnipeg based and American owned OmniTRAX cannot travel further north than Thompson, Manitoba. Since the rail has remained broken, they don't even go there. The home base for the northern rail service at The Pas is completely dormant. No trains moving anywhere. No reason. Nothing is being shipped. Churchill residents currently get their provisions sent in by plane but that's expensive and there is no telling how long it will take for rail service to return.<br />
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The federal government sold the Canadian National Railway line to an American company in 1997 when OmniTrax was formed. Seems we've come to regret that ever happening. Since grain shipments stopped in 2015, no replacement for it has been found. OmniTrax resisted a quick repair opting to wait for a sale or last minute commitment from the government to help. No such thing is possible as far as the government is concerned since OmniTrax is seen to have breached the original agreement of sale by not quickly repairing the line. The government has gone to court to force a judgement on OmniTrax. The case has not been heard yet. The case goes to court on February 22, 2018 where OmniTrax plans to petition the court to throw out the suit on grounds we've yet to hear.<br />
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Hard to know who to cheer for at this point. Somebody's got to fix the broken rail line. Then maybe a sale can take place. It won't be the end of any number of future challenges. One, the rail line needs further improvement and not just a simple fix. Two, whoever ends up owning the Hudson Bay Railway company, has to sell somebody on delivery and shipping commodities and bulk content through the seasonal Port of Churchill active since the late 1920's. That's what will make the whole thing viable. It will take energy, commitments and major investment. Who is going to believe it's possible? It's a big challenge it seems the Americans have failed to do. The port and grain shipments could return and why not? Who's going to take the bull by the horns and make things work? normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-67583909478505055942017-11-15T00:18:00.001-06:002017-11-15T00:18:44.756-06:00The Jeopardy of Northern Manitoba Rail and Port Serviceby Norm Richards<br />
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There was a powerful reason to have a third major sea port in Canada as long as it made economic sense to have one. Churchill, Manitoba made just as much sense as Vancouver, the lakehead and the east coast for foreign market shipments. Maybe it still does. We are a resource based country and bulk shipments need access to world markets. Two things need to be in place to reach these markets. Demand has to exist and transportation has to be in place to reach the markets. This was all well and good when western grain was shipped to port by rail to Churchill. Governments took part to support price and protect farmers through subsidies. Through the past two decades government has taken a less active part in certain parts of the economy namely rail transportation and grain subsidies. This reduced the responsibility of the federal government to be active in this part of the economy. However, if it made sense elsewhere to sell public enterprise off to private interests, it certainly doesn’t prove wise here in Manitoba.<br />
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In the case of the rail service to Churchill, the Hudson Bay Railway (HBR) was sold to OmniTrax. Contracts were put in place to assure service continued to the north and the rails would be improved and maintained. The Manitoba government and federal government paid cash up front to assure the rail line is improved and maintained. It appears the track improvements were never carried out. Reports show maintainance equipment was even removed from the company’s base at The Pas, Manitoba. It seems to me that if a contract exists, the courts will order the terms of the contract be fulfilled.<br />
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The most recent media report shows OmniTrax are ignoring the existence of the original contract by arguing publicly they are not libel for various reasons including they would rather sell the problem they now find themselves stuck with. I ask, how can you expect to sell a pig in a poke without making the item for sale attractive? The governments involved should stop making threats immediately and take action. Seek remedy in the courts for the public’s money invested in which right now appears one of the worst deals they could have ever made with a private company on what appears to have been a high risk venture to begin with, all moral considerations aside. This is not about delivering groceries cheaper to Churchill. There is more at stake. Northern rail transportation and port resumption deserves a second chance even if it appears to be an impossible task at the moment. After all, national pride and jurisprudence deserves better treatment as far as I can tell.normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-47907477146431120502017-10-05T20:44:00.001-05:002017-10-06T00:45:23.186-05:00To Netflix or not to flixBy Norm Richards<br />
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On Thursday September 28, 2017, Canada's Heritage Minister Melanie Joly held a press conference to announce that juggernaut internet streaming service Netflix have agreed to invest $500 - million over five years on production and distribution of Canadian movies and television programs. The trade off appears that the government will not tax Netflix on their subscriptions. Netflix will agree to install a production office in Canada more likely in Toronto and not in Regina or Winnipeg. The fifteen hundred dollar cup of coffee remains. This means if you wish to pitch your story ideas to Netflix you will have to travel to do it.<br />
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Nevertheless, there are many other concerns. The question remains how the money they put in up to $100 - million per year is handled and who gets to administer it. It appears Quebec is already demanding they get a split off equal to what they usually get when CBC gets their allocation for French program funding and the rest of Canada gets what's left. This envelope split is more Ottawa's politically understood way of doing things over demonstrated merit. The point I'm willing to make on this subject is that Netflix will prefer English language programs for distribution since that's the norm for them. I'm sure they will buy Quebec produced programs regardless but not because Quebec says they must.<br />
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My biggest concern is that story development and writers need a window to develop their talent and advance their skills. It's simply not enough to graduate from a writing program and go up against a wall of gatekeepers who have no concern for what it takes to create story and all the associated costs of time, research costs and consultation it takes to make a finished product. Writing on spec is risky, terribly time consuming, misleading and most often ends in rejection. If you pitch a story idea with a limited outline or treatment, you shouldn't be forced to write a full script out of your own pocket. An<br />
investment in the process of developing good story is badly needed in Canada.<br />
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for now, I think the Minister understands that. The problems of being a politician is she needs to develop policy and firm agreements with interested players before anything can happen. It's my hope Netflix wants the same thing. That they respects the process rather than just buying ready made productions trusting Canada's producers are in good enough financial shape as they are. Putting together workable budgets is also a science and almost always falls short trying to finish a film. Good story needs the investment it deserves at the early stage of creation. I'm very interested in seeing what happens in the coming weeks and months while Canada's government and Netflix assume responsibility for content improvement.<br />
Will it be done?normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-32545892476472011412017-08-15T15:38:00.000-05:002017-11-15T01:15:55.764-06:00My Culture, My Heritage and the North American Free Trade AgreementMy Culture, My Heritage and the North American Free Trade Agreement<br />
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By Norm Richards<br />
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I had the pleasure of reading the Globe and Mail feature story on Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland on Saturday August 12, 2017. I'm sure it's a very exciting time in her life charged with facing up to American President Donald Trump on the NAFTA file. A major steering point in the negotiations is Trump's insistance on his "America First" policy. The approach there is for American's to buy in America first. We ought to remind him that by virtue of location, Canada is part of "North" America as he is. Doesn't mean he's obligated to be contrite and play along but he can't ignore what has gone before, which is all of the positive trade that has taken place between our two countries since the beginning of Free Trade twenty seven years ago. Now, I personally believe in fair trade so I agree, we should sit down at the table and discuss with America how we can improve the trade agreement we now have between us.<br />
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My biggest concern is keeping our cultural life and interests of our own country safe from predatory ideas. I don't want to see it creep into these talks either. I'm concerned that the Trump side of the table wishes to include Telecommunications and E-commerce which is the business of the internet and the exchange of digital product between our two countries. Telecom is the wires to carry it. In film for example, there was a day when multiple metal cases containing feature films were shipped across the border to movie houses across Canada. That's how you got to see your favourite Hollywood movie. Today, you turn on your TV and it's right there, projected electronically and processed and originally recorded in digital format. Very little of this activity originates in Hollywood anymore. In fact, most major world class feature films are shot on location in Canada, in Canadian studios and post produced here, prepared for transfer to theaters and TV screens in digital transfer format and sent to where the story is shown to audiences. Big metal boxes never see the light of day. Hollywood does have input. They still buy stories earmarked for production. They invest in production and distribution. They control the markets around the world. Although it's changing, first window remains a theatrical release before it gets to television screens. That fact affords Hollywood control on releases including rights and ultimately who gets paid and when. This system is trusted as the best working model meanwhile even though we crew and even the lead stars and talent are Canadian in the big American films, most Canadian filmmakers have limited access to the whole thing. We should have better access.<br />
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I don't mean we should start making big American films for American audiences first, no, we need to make stories we like about ourselves as Canadians. We need to take pride in our own stories, no matter what the roadblocks are. For most, it's not possible. You have to spend too much money chasing people around the world who have the means to invest in your story and film you dream about making. We simply get starved out. I don't know if NAFTA is even the place to open such discussions on a more open and fair distribution exchange between our two states. Industry to industry talks in the past got little result. The big guy on the block is also the bully. American films dominate the world and they want to keep it that way. It doesn't make their product better than what originates elsewhere. Not at all. In fact more often the big box office movies are poorly written and rushed to market. The investment in the slate of films released from year to year depends on one big hit to pay for all the other films they released in that year. The risk is high and studios have gone broke trying. Let me let you in on a little secret. Studios have also been saved by small films they never thought would be a hit in the first place. I think there is a place in the market for a more diverse filmmaker and his ideas. We need screen time and investment to make our films in Canada and soon. Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board will tell you we have already proved ourselves. Anyone who's ever worked on films in Canada knows the joy of doing it and the excitement for the results. I do. Gets in the blood. I graduate film school to write story and work in Canada's film and television industry.<br />
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I wish Chrystia Freeland well in keeping the train rolling, so to speak on what works well for agreements between our two counties and what doesn't; these important subjects, if not included in NAFTA, get placed into separate equally important negotiations at another time. I fear our homeland of Canada get damaged further by corruption of one kind or another. We suffer now by American domination in the media. They have a way of ignoring what goes on in Canada. Yet, the story coverage of what goes on in the American streets is alarming. Music from America has it's way of encroaching on our way of life as well. I think we can have a world view without swallowing it whole and end up facing corruption we don't even understand we were hit by. Talk about Big Brother and the Marshall McLuhan view of the medium is the message all over again. <br />
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<br />normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-29148571525246150442017-06-22T10:05:00.002-05:002017-06-22T10:05:16.304-05:00Morning PagesBy Norm Richards<br />
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I had a dream last night. Words from a song. Most dreams are held during the early morning and I know that was true for me. I awoke feeling good and thinking positive. I had a small drink of juice and laid back down. The memory of the dream began coming back to me. What brought this on, I have no idea. But here goes.<br />
I saw i was walking across a big green grassed field. I looked off in the distance and I saw a street, one I was familiar with, it came from my hometown. It looked a little different than it really is today, older perhaps. Regardless, I saw this group of young people spilling out of a building in a playful way. Everyone had smiles and good time ways. Someone kicked a soccer ball across the street from the doorways of this building. It was like recess at school except none of these folks were young enough anymore. Nevertheless, a gathering of delighted people gathered with me in the field. I wasn't part of their group but I soon got included. The ball was kicked out into the field from the street as if to engage and include. I hesitated. I looked at people. When I moved toward the ball no one objected. Quite the contrary, they encouraged me to play. I ran after the ball and it seems to come to me without much effort. A number of the other guys gave it a good kick and the ball really travelled. Once I retrieved it I tried to kick it back into the crowd. It didn't go very far. I noticed most of the crowd were pairing up and there was suddenly less interest in the ball activity.<br />
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I went into the crowd. A young woman engaged me. It's as if she was always there, waiting. I was familiar and at ease with her as she was with me. She was wearing clean modest clothing and a nice beige warm wool coat. The crowd was breaking up and going their own way in pairs. My companion and I got on a low flying vehicle, can't say what it was, a hovercraft of some sort. We proceeded down the street together. Just as we turned, I saw another woman around the corner as we passed. She looked at me and I knew her. She said hi and I noticed she meant it, really meant it. If I had stopped to talk at that moment, the girl I was with would have de-solved from me. But she remained holding onto me. I felt her embrace like we'd always been together, knowing each other and feeling good together. Her scent was part of me.<br />
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We arrived at the doorway of a restaurant. We discussed going in. She loved the idea of a warm drink and maybe something to eat. We went in. Everyone in the place was having a good time. Music had everyone elevated and in a great mood. Smiles all around. It's like going into a crowded bar and the place is lit. She down beside someone she seemed to know. I didn't feel right letting go of her since we were so comfortable together. But I had to place our order at the counter. While I was there I knew the people next to me and we talked. I looked across the room at my partner and she smiled back. She continued chatting with the other guy. I was standing at the kitchen counter pouring my morning juice when I awoke to the memory of this dream. I wanted it back. You know how that goes. normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-71684564009303411692017-03-07T20:10:00.000-06:002017-03-07T20:10:17.414-06:00Taking StockBy Norm Richards<br />
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I don't know if it's tax time or the anticipation of season changing, I'm feeling pressure. Last week, I scrambled to figure out if I need to buy registered retirement coverage for another year or I'm a free range chicken. No such luck. I still have to keep putting feed in my mouth without choking on it. What disappoints me is, I'm not wealthy. I'm not in a position to just get my people to deal with it. Hey, I'm it. Should I be surprised? Or, should it be a warning something else is going on?<br />
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There's a big storm coming in today. The radio reports speak of roads and highways closed. Yet, there is a bit of wind and sprinkles of nice white fluffy coming down, at least at this hour. Should this be an omen for something bigger coming on? Don't you get some weeks where there is so much weight on your shoulders you just have to talk about it, as if it'll all go away by talking about it? Well, that's my week.<br />
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Last week I received a set of documents that outlines my ancestry. I'm still debriefing the contents and what direction to take with the details. It's nice to know who you are and or were you originate from. How about 1500 AD and beyond in France and the 1700's in Scotland? There were pieces of me moving on the land way back then. If those guys didn't dream of a better life somewhere else and come to this country, I wouldn't exist, at least not in the same DNA as I exist now.<br />
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I've gone my whole life knowing I'm a mixed blood person but lived to now with no documented proof of that. My parents and even grandparents did not speak much about who they were but for the language and love they showed me as a child, although we celebrated our culture and heritage in certain inspired ways. There was pride instilled in my heart and soul of who we are. The things they did share, lead to this day. I'm at an age now, where I'm close to the age they gave me such positive vibes. In turn, I wish I was living closer to my own children to pass on more. Now, the ancestry report has my imagination doing cartwheels fow what's possible.<br />
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This is my week. What's yours? normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-25434883466677576592016-11-09T13:18:00.002-06:002016-11-09T13:18:26.013-06:00The Reality of Donald Trump<br />
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By Norm Richards<br />
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Welcome to reality TV everyone! Donald Trump is President elect of the United States of America as of November 8, 2016. In case you haven't noticed, reality's viewership has dominated screens everywhere. It has got so popular that audiences reject most other kinds of daily programming on television today. Donald Trump comes from that reality. No, he didn't come from there originally. But his family's wealth and ultimately his own, made it possible for him to find a platform to spring from. Viewers became believers when they heard him say, "You're Fired." Most people were shocked he said it. They were secretly delighted. That secret came to life in the way America voted. The Apprentice program is a model for a performance never seen before. Going forward, once Trump began his campaign for president, he had his ticket. He would be let into the big show with his campaign for the presidency. We went on with our lives believing the reality program was simple amusing television. It was more. It created a new reality that would creep up on those who would never believe in Trump. The program became Trump's formula for success.<br />
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I went to bed last evening before Trump was declared the winner. I settled into my pillow knowing it was done. The numbers totally favoured him. I witnessed people weeping at the Clinton headquarters. It was done. I awoke and rose fast this morning to check results. Sure enough, Clinton is Trumped! Hillary Clinton was to not give her speech at so late an hour. Made sense. How does she and her electorate come to grips with the Donald's win? People want change. Many chewed off a limb on the way to the poles last night. It feels like the walking dead voted but were never deplorable. Hope being all they had left. They voted. Can Trump now deliver? I hope Americans find themselves eating a tasty bird at Thanksgiving and not crow. They deserve better. <br />
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As for my own country, I'm concerned Prime Minister Trudeau in relation to President Trump does not become a Chester & Spike act. Everything Mr. Trump has shown so far is that he's likely to be the bulldog who swats away the needy terrier's begging. We'll see. I noted Hillary encouraged young women and girls to pursue their dreams no matter what. It made me think of TV's Dynasty. I'm sure many people would have liked to see a Kennedy woman run for president. It didn't happen, at least not yet. The Bush family showed that a dynasty was possible when George Bush become president after his father had been. I watched Donald Trump on stage with his family. Could you see Ivanka or Tiffany taking power in the future? Just the fact that Donald will be president gives Ivanka sway in Washington right now. While wishing girls well with the glass ceiling yet unbroken, I'm sure Hillary does not dream the dream of a Trump dynasty. Nobody thought Donald would make it to the white house except to drive by it. Could his children succeed him? <br />
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<br />normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-67318494769639964042016-07-26T20:42:00.000-05:002016-07-26T20:42:15.874-05:00Northern Manitoba Rail Transportation Under threat By Norm Richards<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">I heard a report today on CBC radio of a major layoff at the Port of Churchill. OmniTRAX, a USA company owns the shipping port and long established rail route for shipping Canadian grain to world markets. I spoke about this not so long ago on social media since I know my hometown would be impacted greatly and in fact the province of Manitoba's economy will feel this action by OmniTRAX. If it's temporary, then there may still be a chance to recover. If it's a permanent layoff, it's only the beginning of a crash of the northern economy and my hometown, to say little of what's left in Churchill as well as excursions to observe Polar bears in the wild. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">What can be done about this? I sure hope the new provincial government are clued in enough to take immediate action and intervene. So far OmniTRAX has said nothing publicly. In the last month I visited my hometown of The Pas which is the hub of the Hudson Bay Railway and the town is the centre of all north bound trade marked for export. I saw a very active rail service in play in my hometown of The Pas. Take away this rail service and the whole economy will be impacted. Trust me! </span></span></span><br />
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normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-50282374620474605172016-05-07T12:47:00.000-05:002016-05-07T13:12:09.012-05:00Fort McMurray, Alberta Forest Fire Emergency!By Norm Richards<br />
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I'm currently following the reports on the expanding Forrest fire that brought devastation to home owners and residents of the northern city of Fort McMurray, Alberta. The city of eighty thousand have had to be evacuated in a very fast order this week. The escape from the city put enormous stress on officials to manage a safe flow out of vast numbers of people in a moments notice. How do you get people out with only one road in and out? It has to be done.<br />
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Aircraft, buses and vehicles moved all at the same time to leave the danger zone. Of course, this is perfect television programming. People wanna know. People wanna see, right now, first hand and keep the stories coming! I know. I helped get those kind of stories on the air back in 1997, during the threat of flood on the city of Winnipeg including southern Manitoba's communities. The rushing flow of the Red River was headed north straight into the largest populated areas then. Our television broadcast team was assembled ahead of time since we knew the waters were rising fast. We covered it. Afterwards, a kind of post apocalyptic sensitivity has remained in my heart and soul since that time. <br />
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This experience is mirrored by a major Forrest fire event today in northern Alberta. The difference is, I'm not directly involved in a broadcast team covering this emergency. But, I see the relationship of this disaster in terms of producing stories on a broadcast team. I can't believe it! It's happened again. A big story, massive numbers of people involved and affected. I'm glued to the reports despite the tension it creates on my brain. Early this week and even before the federal government announced matching dollars to the Canadian Red Cross, I donated a fair sum for my humble means. This, rather than feeling helpless. It's heart warming to hear of people donating money and goods to the displaced.<br />
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To ad to the potential stress, I have asthma. I've suffered attacks like never before this season. It's been bad and I think it's part of the quality or lack of, the weather condition this spring. I don't know broadly how others are affected but I've spoken to some. Now, I'm concerned about the flow of smoke toward us from northern Alberta. I don't think I will be able to tolerate much of the smoke's encroachment. We'll have to see. Meanwhile, here I am, watching the television reports, torn between being unable to help and the need to protect my own health and well being. The challenges we faced in 1997, keeps me engaged with the people of Fort McMurray and the neighbouring indigenous communities threatened by fire. normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-13431275103991582872016-03-23T12:26:00.000-05:002016-03-23T12:26:41.218-05:00Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Gets a Boost!By Norm Richards<br />
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Some think CBC should get the boot rather than a boost in the current Liberal government's first budget in 2016. Here's what I think - The CBC has been cut down to helpless levels over three maybe four decades now. When it started, there was good intention. Today, in it's present state, it needs major structural change to adapt to modern attention spans and the limitations of reaching an audience, if they still have one. I think we still love radio in this country. It works. But it also represents the whole when it identifies itself as CBC.<br />
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<b>Public Radio </b>is a better ID perhaps. On the TV side, funding and buying is all the network should do. They have no place being the makers of program and doing production. It's the job of the independent producers to do that.<br />
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So, building new buildings for themselves and buying new equipment to employ increased union scale workers does not guarantee and make certain a future beyond the current federal governments mandate.<br />
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<br />normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-73599749766855399572016-03-14T16:40:00.000-05:002016-03-14T16:45:46.184-05:00Norm's Word on the American Primary Race<br />
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I'm Canadian but I don't mind observing the US primary race. Hillary Clinton has had two runs at power already. She didn't move mountains. Is there more? Really? Electing a president because they are female is not enough, sorry. On the other hand, Donald Trump knows land development, buildings, golf courses and aces self promotion better than most. But I'm concerned when a potential new leader shows promise of ignoring everyone's views in favour of his own. <br />
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I don't know, but I think the religious right candidates fall a bit short with substance and know how. I belief in a power greater than ourselves and it is not a politician. Running states can't come close to assuming a post where the whole world wants something from you and you need to be smart, honest and kind at the same time. I'd want a leader of my own country to display humility first. He doesn't have to make his own shirts with monogrammed sleeves. No, I'd be pleased if he dropped in and bought his shirts from a small retailer in his community.<br />
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Things seem to favour Bernie Sanders since he appears smarter than the other candidates. His ambitions may run into roadblocks if he makes it past the primaries. Other presidents have been relegated to lame duck status before. I'm sure that's no fun. I have a feeling Bernie's a good negotiator though. Would he be the best candidate? There is too much uniformed or political energy against him I fear. Remember, a president comes with a party and many well founded wishes. Turning those wishes into solid legislation is a sound goal. Now, who will lead the most powerful country in the free world I ask? You decide, citizens of the United States.normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-44324583315249695672016-03-05T14:11:00.000-06:002016-03-05T14:11:43.022-06:00Ready, Steady, Go.<br />
<b>Ready Steady Go!</b><br />
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By Norm Richards<br />
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Can you ever be ready for retirement? thought about it a lot. I'm back to running on my own clock, day job gone. Now I'm trying to keep pace with it. I thought I left the daily stress behind. Now, it's about meeting my own schedules and running my own shift. You do have to be organized, still. You wake, shower and plan your day knowing it's up to you, just you.<br />
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I've got a library of films to view and scripts to read. That's my focus. I got some new equipment for writing. Love it. Fast and portable. I'm trying to ween myself off the desktop. I still throw it on as soon I wake up. By the time coffee is ready I've said hello to the world and given birthday wishes on social network. Oh what a day! No rush, I tell myself.<br />
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To be continuednormswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-13948652893499949752015-11-22T15:05:00.002-06:002015-11-22T15:05:37.939-06:00Nation Building or Bust! Story by Norm Richards<br />
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I've wondered and felt concern like many others in Canada since the newly elected government has committed to accept twenty five thousand Syrian war refugees into Canada before the end of the year just forty days from now. I want to know more. I didn't think I'd find many answers. Meanwhile, I could end up with militant neighbours if you belief what you see and read on the Internet. I've seen the pictures of hundreds of thousands of young men moving across Europe in search of safety and freedom. At the same time disturbed by the countries rejecting them and putting up barbed wire fences to keep them out. What is wrong with people for doing that? Our national newspaper are running stories which beg reading to better understand the issues. Mark MacKinnon, Doug Saunders and Joanna Slater are some of the authors. <br />
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The men running across Europe today are men with hopes and dreams. They want safety for themselves and for their families too. Don't they? I see actions against them that demonstrate indifference and intolerance. Yes, I know some of the those counties have their own problems. But their actions speak loudly. They may as well say, "We don't want extremist groups coming into our country!" Well, who does? But have you taken a look at who they really are? I just hope, however, that the newly elected government here knows what they are doing and are smart about it. People seeking asylum from oppression is what I believe these people are. What I've been asking USA governors through Facebook comments is; have they considered that? I'm not sure they read my comments. I spoke with a landed immigrant USA citizen to Canada the other day what he thought. He said the US governors who are against Syrians coming into their state are right wing politicians who appose President Barack Obama and his call for accepting refugees. Kind of says it right there. Where do they go from here? We have our own challenges in Canada as well. It's to find a way to get 25,000 refugees into Canada in 40 days. I read today, some have arrived.<br />
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What can we expect when more get here? If other people who come here are any example of integration into our society, things are possible. China sends their children for education while buying houses on the west coast to house them while these kids get an education. Historically, when the west needed tilling, migration from Europe expanded farming and land occupation in a rapid and permanent way. When Jewish owned clothing factories needed workers, Filipinos were hired to take those jobs. They discovered these folks were friendly and caring. Hospitals are large employers for immigrants from the Philippines. Now, even decades later and generations in, those immigrants are successful and prosperous. The taxi services are dominated by another ethnic culture. These people contribute to the economy in a substantial way. I'm pretty close to the street, so to speak. I hear many different languages daily in my city. Among themselves they speak there mother tongue but function well in English as needed. We are a mosaic from other lands here in Canada. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I worked in the aerospace industry where many UK workers were recruited and settled in this country before and after the war. People from all over the world have come to Canada to find prosperity. Can refugees make it? Why not. Governments just have to welcome them, facilitate their arrival and makes things possible for them. The rest is up to them and us to know and understand them. Integration is not impossible, it's necessary. How do you build workable nations without it? Not by force that is for sure. <br />
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normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-40042685874295768092015-06-22T23:04:00.000-05:002015-06-22T23:04:17.507-05:00Adventures of Jim Richards<h2>
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by Norm Richards<br />
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Born in 1904 at Winnipegosis, Manitoba, Canada, Jim Richards at twenty six years of age is fluent in four languages. He's self sufficient on how to live in the woods and how to live off the land around him. His early life is driven by energy and will power. He becomes a champion boxer and can run faster than any man around. Not a large fellow, trim and slim, he is as strong as any man. On the lake at the west shore he spends his time building his skills and sharing a confident manner and sense of humour. After his family, originally from Saint-Laurent, Manitoba, moved north to prosper, they relocate to the largest trading community of The Pas, Manitoba where Jim gains a reputation for his natural skills in the fish and fur trade including transportation logistics for mining companies north of The Pas. </div>
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One day, he is visited by the man who runs the mine at Flin Flon, Manitoba. The fellow tells him about a letter received from Chicago inviting a search for an experienced northern guide and team leader. The letter is from a man wishing to create an expedition to reach the Arctic Ocean and turn east across rivers, lakes and vast territory on the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The trip will take a great deal of planning and preparation. Jim is charged with the job of gathering a team of hands to make this trip. He is told that visitors from Europe will make this journey with him. In time, he will learn who the adventure seekers from Europe are. </div>
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In late spring of 1932, the train arrives at The Pas Station. In the clouds of steam wafting through the air on a cool day, fine leather boots appear down the steps and onto the platform of the station. The conductor dressed in a dark blue uniform with bright gold buttons reaches up to hold the hands of two young women disembarking the train. The first woman waves away the need for any help in sharp dismissal. The other woman, lays out her hand in expectation of assistance off the train steps. A man in a three piece wool worsted suit descends the stairs behind them beaming with a friendly smile in search of acknowledgement from someone in the crowd awaiting the trains arrival.<br />
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"Hello." says a voice in the crowd.</div>
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"Are you the miner from Flin Flon." The American asks.</div>
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"Yes, I am."</div>
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"I'd like you to meet Jim Richards." </div>
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" Oh yes, we've heard a lot about you, Richards. We only hope you're up to the task."</div>
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Everyone laughs and the entourage is guided through the crowd on the platform, through the station and exists the front doors. </div>
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"This is Madame Edw Guyot de Mishaegen of Belgium. She is accompanied by her Royal Highness Baroness de Buffin from Belgium." </div>
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Each of the men bow, while Richards stands erect and reaches out to shake hands. No one responds except the American in the three piece suit. Otherwise, warm smiles are in evidence by all.<br />
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"Madame de Mishaegen will keep record of this trip and write about it later for the French press. We intend to help publish the stories." </div>
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"Tomorrow, after you have all had a good nights sleep, Jim here, will take you down to the river and show you the team and plans he's worked on for a successful expedition."</div>
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"That sounds wonderful." </div>
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"Bon, Merci." says a deep female voice. </div>
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Jim examines these two exotic creatures before him. </div>
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Jim responds in the French language " I bid you a fine evening. I look forward to our rondi vous." </div>
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The two women turn to him warmly with smiles of recognition and familiarity as all the other English speaking men seem to be left out of this part of the conversation. </div>
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As the party arrives at the hotel, Jim turns and waves so long for the evening and walks off. </div>
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More story to follow ............ </div>
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normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-53521364297657278272015-02-18T00:00:00.000-06:002015-02-18T00:19:49.774-06:00Fifty Shades of Grey - the movie.Review of the Fifty Shades of Grey movie<br />
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By Norm Richards<br />
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I saw the picture this evening. I admit I have not read the novel and now I wish I had but I don't usually read books like that. Someone told me E.L. James the author of the novel had some say in the screen story's development. I am pleased to hear that since making an adaptation depends on good cooperation between authors and screenwriters. Even if this is so or even partially, I enjoyed what I saw. Why? I think the script is well played, directed and acted even though some of that is a bit wooden, at least at the start. The exchange between Grey and his new discovery Anastasia is not run over by a director's need to get to the point. Instead, he takes his time.<br />
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The characters take their time getting down to a relationship that might or might not work. The delight is in the exchange. Anastasia is rather innocent, even pure in her delivery. I like her. I could go for her, but enough about my fantasies. She is clean cut and beautiful, there is no doubt. Is she smart enough for Grey? Without question. But he must dominate and he does, although fair, which is not what the film's critics want to see or even know. There is plot, there is story and there is story resolution, even if a dimwit audience I was in attendance with, realized. I think those dimwits still crave 91/2 Weeks and certainly missed the point of this picture. My congratulations to Director Sam Taylor - Johnson and Screenwriter Kelly Marcel for making a good movie in a nice subtle style. Nice to see the homage to Vancouver. It could have been my school Kelly. normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-39788640449604287552014-09-25T14:31:00.002-05:002014-09-25T20:50:42.846-05:00Tracking Life<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood today, I thought I'd just start out that way. Last weekend I went to visit my daughter and her family. I had a wonderful time. I saw my eight month old grandson for the first time in person. He looked at me straight in the eye like he had to know me but he just couldn't place me.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Throughout my last visit they were busy finishing the side by side condo they are now living in. It's now done and it's really nice. They didn't spare on quality of the material for the inside finishing. They have good taste. For re-sale they will do well so long as the market doesn't drop out on them.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>This visit was on the occasion of grandson Sebastian's baptism. My daughter insisted I wear a suit. I searched my closet for a suitable garment but much to my disappointment, I had nothing to wear. Don't get me wrong, the closet is full of suits but most are winter weight and the others are worn around the edges from daily use at work. I needed something nicer. I went shopping. I tried on a bunch of suits and I found two I really liked but they were not quite right. I ended up with a black blazer. I can use it to update the one I wear often for work. This one is of a finer quality wool and nice stitching along the lapels. It came together with a non-iron slim fit grey shirt made in Italy and a swell black tie. My pants are salt and pepper tones and will replace the pants I've worn out. I didn't have to say anything. My daughter took one look at me. She approved. Don't know what I would have done if she took issue with my wardrobe. Missed the party I guess. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>We went to church and saw Sebastian's baptism. It was a nice serene moment, so much so I was lulled by it. I sat in the front pews with my other two grandchildren. It just felt good inside being there. I took still photos but when it came the moment the priest pored the holy water over Sebastian's head I didn't have my video on. A small let down. I got the camera and there was a part of the ceremony where a candle is brought forward. I rolled the video but the parents and God parents had their backs to us so I couldn't get a good shot. The priest was saying interesting things and every once and awhile he'd call over those before him to address the other grandfather in the pew right behind me as if he was including everyone in the ceremony more actively. It just had a feel like he was having a distracted conversation from the actual purpose we were all there for. It was fine. We all enjoyed the service.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Breana and Breydan chatting with little brother Sebastian.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>After the baptism ceremony we went to a nice family gathering at a local hall and we had a nice meal. A professional photographer was hired so there will be some good photographs available in due time. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Cheers everyone!</b></span><br />
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normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-56448804367908821022014-07-03T14:02:00.000-05:002014-07-03T14:02:44.966-05:00<b>In Memory of Charles Nabess</b><br />
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by Norm Richards<br />
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I've included the link below of my original story.<br />
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I will always remember Charles' great smile!<br />
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Charles and Larry appear here with me during the Charles Nabess Benefit. <br />
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Charles spoke briefly about us playing together in the old Elks Hall we all loved to play in at The Pas.<br />
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The Essentials<br />
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Photo with Wolfman appears courtesy of Maureen Fitzhenry. One of the lineups of Three Penny Opera.<br />
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http://normswords.blogspot.ca/2010/09/60s-rocked-in-pas-three-hairs-and-hat.htmlnormswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-58135902423331484862014-04-07T20:27:00.002-05:002014-04-07T20:27:40.762-05:00MondaysI go for coffee often with a number of what is a group of senior guys and gals. After being at home and seeing the headlines that come across Facebook, in a quiet moment between sips, the table fell silent. Spontaneously, I mentioned Bob Geldolf's daughter died today. She was only 25. Without hesitation, the most elder at the table, said, " I guess she don't like Mondays!" normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-29022989260742441402013-09-23T23:38:00.001-05:002013-09-23T23:38:33.562-05:00Ottawa awards first medical pot licences under new rules to Saskatoon firm | CTV News<a href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/ottawa-awards-first-medical-pot-licences-under-new-rules-to-saskatoon-firm-1.1466653#.UkEXNNe8GcM.blogger">Ottawa awards first medical pot licences under new rules to Saskatoon firm | CTV News</a>normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-9435806803394706062013-07-09T01:03:00.002-05:002013-07-09T01:03:30.329-05:00Saskatchewan's Film Industry Not Feeling It!<span lang="EN-CA">Saskatchewan’s Film Industry Not Feeling It! <br />
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July 3, 2013.<br />
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Story by Norm Richards<br />
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In the late 80's and early 90's a number us got together to promote investment in our communities for filmmaking, video production, audio development and industry infrastructure. I think we succeeded for the most part. There is film industry in other places besides Toronto and Montreal. Today, a report in The Star Phoenix in Saskatoon reports the provincial government in Saskatchewan has created a fund and program named "Creative Saskatchewan." Not saying it meets all the requirements of putting back into place what was taken away when the film industry tax credit for film production was cancelled last year, but it may help. <br />
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Sure, SaskFilm is still in place but it's limp and running on dust. Most of us knew if you work hard to develop and lobby governments to invest, outsiders who care about creative image making would come and invest. The result is; you built an industry, you attract talent, build working crews, producers buy better equipment and a great deal of spin, energy and bang for the dollar is set off. <br />
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Now, I'm not saying a tax credits is the only thing that works. But, at what point do you slack off and see less need to stimulate a dollar driven business? For every dollar invested in film production it's ten or twelve times better for what you put in. I'm sure it's greater in many places across Canada. Studios are created. Audio postproduction houses are built. Producers open up offices and employ the locals. World level creative people come to work. Big name actors show up. They raise the bar. <br />
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My brothers and sisters of SMPIA the independent producers organization claim their membership dropped to 60 from 600 after the tax credit died. I wish everyone here a better year next year and over the next five years. It takes time to re-build. Producers in Saskatchewan have to weigh the positive against the negative. The intent of a $5 million fund for culture administered by Creative Saskatchewan may fall short for big industry filmmaking.</span>normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-63196821430352267302013-06-16T13:24:00.000-05:002013-06-16T13:24:29.819-05:00My Father's Day Dedication<span lang="EN"><br />
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By Norm Richards<br />
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For my dad, it was work clothes for the work day, come weekends he dressed up. whenever we travelled as a family south on the train, dad wore his best. Dad was a practical man. He loved to read the weekend newspaper especially the funnies while eased back in his favourite living room chair. He enjoyed a smoke as if it was a perfect moment and nothing else mattered. <br />
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I much preferred my dad's days after he quit drinking. Before that, he usually drank in the company of his many brothers. When he came home it was for sanctuary. Mom expected him to get sober fast and be civil. He struggled hung over but he loved us kids. Dad was a caring and sweet guy at home. He loved to joke and tell stories. Dad loved poems. He recited them to me right off the top of his head.<br />
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While growing up, we went fishing and hunting a lot. Things men did together. Never once did I ever see dad drink when we did this. He enjoyed things as a sober man. He could be a father to me and my sister. Dad worked hard all his life. He was a long run endurance runner as a young man. He was a champion boxer. He once took a French Royal expedition from the Atlantic to the Arctic Oceans overland and rivers and kept them alive to complete it. The Royal Duchess honoured him dedicating a book based on his leadership, strength and perseverance. <br />
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Before he left us, he made a special trip to the city with mom. My wife and I had a nice home on the river, two cars and good careers. Our daughter was growing up healthy, bright and smart. We were soon going to have another child. Over dinner he leaned over and said to me, “ Look after mom when I’m gone, eh!?” He meant it. You could tell there would be nothing else said about that. A month later he was gone. </span>normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237809269714043774.post-53250977639851773212013-02-24T10:11:00.000-06:002013-02-24T10:11:23.832-06:00Metaphor of LoveStory by Norm Richards<br />
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I awoke this morning feeling cleansed, as if I'd been pressed through the eye of a needle and come out the other side cleansed. And yet, as I lay there bright eyed and not able to fall back asleep and return to that blessed dream I was having, I share it's experience here with you. I can't interpret dreams well. Maybe you can? <br />
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I was someplace with friends. We're in a warm place with beautiful colours crossing through pillars, flowers and trellises of wonderful light shining on our arrival here. People make introductions and hug as if they haven't seen each other in a long time. The couple I'm with pass my hand to greet this radiant young woman. <br />
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Later, we are together, my friends and this woman viewing some sort of public event. There are many others there. And yet, we are left to our own. The woman and I share each others lives. We are affectionate. Through her eyes I see love. It's as if it was always like that. The whole day goes by and we must part. She doesn't want to separate from me but she has to. She's a princess and held to her duties and promise to her family.<br />
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She leaves. I see her perform in this public event. She's the main act. She was what everyone waited all afternoon to see. She does great feats and I realize she is much more than the radiant woman I met earlier. She leads a procession away and seems to be on this well organized marathon. My friends tell me she will be away fulfilling the expectations she will once again win the marathon, in turn raising vast sums of money to feed her people. <br />
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I'm left knowing only hours before the two of us were together, in love and nothing else mattered. But now everything matters. She's somebody who's important and even committed and I don't fit in. Somehow, I know I'm ready to be part of her life and meet the approval of her parents. I know I'll do anything to be with her. I know she feels the same way. I come from another place, another age and time. Before she left me, we shared our commitment that nothing would ever come between us. <br />
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I awake! normswordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507411891309226104noreply@blogger.com2