Toronto Mayor Ford Wants to Pass His Gun Problem on to Other Areas and a Possible Solution

I could not believe what I heard when Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was talking about the recent gun shooting in Scarborough, as well as the gun problem as a whole in Toronto...  He wants to kick them all out of Town....  Never mind trying to deal with the problem by stricter laws and such... he just wants to pass on his problem to other municipalities.  Durham Region already has the negative side of Scarborough moving in to Pickering and Ajax.. but now apparently Mayor Ford wants anyone that has and uses an illegal fire arm, to go to Durham Region, and other municipalities, and let that municipality deal with his problem.

More politicians just passing on the buck again...

Why does he not work with Provincial and Federal Government reps and do something like this...

1. There is no such thing as a young offender when it comes to illegal firearms and weapons.
2. All penalties are for full duration.  No early release - No Probation.
3. Possession of an illegal firearm or weapon - First Offense: 5 Years - Second Offense: 10 Years - Third and Subsequent Offense: 20 Years
4. Use of an illegal firearm or weapon in a crime:  First Offense: 10 years - Second Offense: 20 Years: Third and Subsequent Offense: 40 Years
5. Use of an illegal firearm or weapon causing harm or death: First Offense: 20 years - Second and Subsequent Offenses: 40 Years

Maybe then... individuals that want to carry and use firearms or illegal weapons will think twice about doing that.  It would also give teeth to law enforcement in handling the problem.

R.

Bamboozled in Las Vegas

Today, Lorraine and I are spending day two in Vegas.  We are having a great time.  Lorraine took care of all the details for flight, hotel, etc.  Now interesting enough, when we checked in at the Excalibur Hotel, everything was great... except for one thing.  The standard rooms don't have bath tubs.  No fault on their end... but something Lorraine and I like to have.  When I asked was there any upgrades that would give us a tub, they mentioned we could upgrade to a deluxe room that would have a Jacuzzi.  Lorraine's eyes lit up.  She loves Jacuzzis.  The price was reasonable so we changed the room and it is great.

Thinking on this a little longer, if we had got a room that just had a normal bath tub, we probably would not have asked to upgrade.  So, it was in Lorraine's best interest for the rooms not to have tubs, because she got what she really wanted... a Jacuzzi room.

When I asked her if she set me up... she just smiled and said "Of course not..."

I don't know though.. seems pretty convenient.  But who cares, we don't get away that much and Lorraine is very happy...

But I still think I got Baboozled in Las Vegas...

R.

Durham Region Songwriter Showcase Project

Project Status...

Locations - Done

Sponsors - In Progress

Acts - Pending

I am writing you this message in hopes some of you may consider being a sponsor for the Durham Songwriter Showcase I am trying to arrange. Alternatively, you may know someone who may be interested.

I am trying to arrange showcases in the Durham Region where songwriters can showcase their original material. Being involved in music and it's associations, there has never been a real great resource for songwriters.

The showcases will be held at local Legions on Saturday or Sunday afternoons. This will be a two fold benefit, as not only will songwriters get their music heard, but the events will help raise funds for local Legion.

We will be looking for 1 to 3 piece acts to play their original music for 30 to 60 minutes. Each showcase will have 4 to 6 acts. All acts must be acoustic, with the exception of bass guitar and keyboards. We are looking for acts that play in the style of country, rock, folk, and such. Basically, music that will best suit the venue. Each act will be paid an honourarium of $50 to $75, depending on the number of acts. Sound will be provided, so basically all they have to do is plug in and play. Acts will also be allowed to bring any CD`s and such they may have available for sale.

As a sponsor of a showcase, you will be in every release sent out, and on every promotional material sent out. In addition, a sign at the showcase saying your are the sponsor, will be there as well, in addition, that the emcee, me, will mention before and after every act. The cost of sponsorship is $400 per showcase. This money will be used to pay the acts and promoting the event, as well as to help with the cost of sound.

Please contact me at your earliest convenience if you are interested in being a sponsor. Thanks for your time and consideration....

Rob MacArthur
info@robmac.org
905.903.6425

Needed My Parents Fix

I took the day off today and went to Kingston where my parents live to go visit them.  Even though I talk to them almost every day by phone or e-mail, I find if I don't get to seem at least once ever three or four weeks I start to get jumpy.  This is not only due to the fact that I am an only child, but it is also due to the fact that they are also my best friends, besides my parents.  They have always been there when I needed someone to confide in, talk to, or needed help.  I knew pretty early in life that I was blessed to have such great parents... who turned into great grand parents and great great grandparents.

What really hit home though several years back is that I am doubly blessed to still have both parents around to visit and spend time with.  Many of my friends don't.  I don't want to waste this gift of time with them, so I use it as much as I can.

Although I will always feel that I don't see them enough, I do my best.  After I see them, even just for a few hours, my need is fixed for a little while.

I guess this is also a good reason to be self employed.  It makes it easier to get time for things that are employment.

Back when I was a single father and needed time for my kids such as operations, doctors appointments, sickness, etc...  The Town of Ajax, where I was the Manager of Computer Systems, was not very sympathetic.  I ended up having to take vacation, as well as getting in shit from my supervisor, for having to take time off when I needed it to deal with single parenthood.

Looking to get back to work for some company full time, but it will be have to be one that thinks family and responsibilities are just as important as the company.  At least these days I don't have kids to take care of... just making sure I spend the proper time with my wife, parents, kids, grandkids, and friends.  Let me know if anyone knows if any companies like that are still around...

Time to go to lunch with my parents....

R.

Holy Speed Traps Batman!

On my way from Oshawa to Kingston to visit my parents.  I have already seen three speed traps.  Good thing I don't speed.  It's just the OPP trying to keep the highways safe and brighten your Mondays!

R.