"The homogeneity of the European nation is fundamentally against the interests of the Jewish people. We are at a critical turning point in history. The West is becoming more and more diverse, and soon the White race wll be forced into submission. The future of the west is that of an ethnically diverse melting pot, where the evil divisions of race and white supremacy no longer regn. This is all thanks to the tremendous power of our social movements and institutions. This great change wll be catalyzed by Moslem settlement. From the land of Israel, Jews wll forever be a light unto the new monoracial world as guaranteed by G-d."Via the Thinking Housewife
Rabbi Abarron Haviv, at the World Jewish Congress Summit, 2011
Monday, July 30, 2018
"Rabbinic Wisdom"
"Dual Citizens, Dual Loyalties?”
What should Canadians make of dual citizenship?
Draft written in April 2009
After an episode on Television Ontario's The Agenda with Steve Paikin as host: "Dual Citizens, Dual Loyalties?"
On TVO, only a blog entry exists of the episode.
Immigration lawyer Ravi Jain, who is a first generation immigrant of Indian background, was recently on Steve Paikin's The Agenda panel on dual citizenship titled: "Dual Citizens, Dual Loyalties?” He was behaving in a manner typical of immigrants. He has an automatic, knee-jerk, expectation that the whole world (or more precisely, the non-Western world) is entitled to immigrate to U.S. and Canada, and once there, to obtain an uncontested guarantee of citizenship. I don't know why immigrants such as Jain (that is 99.9% of immigrants) never question the logic of their argument. Still, Jain is an immigration lawyer, so part of the answer lies in his professional background. He has to accept and support the concept of immigration to win his clients' cases. And if I were a little more cynical, I would have to say that it is a lucrative business being an immigration lawyer.
But this arrogant sense of entitlement goes deeper than career opportunism. I've thought long and hard about it, and I think that non-Westerners come to Canada or the U.S. (and to European countries as well) with a "they owe us" dig. Of course, this hails back to all the perceived insults and oppressions of the colonial period, and the American influence around the world since then.
The contradiction is that Jain's India is one of the more prosperous countries in the world, and I would say that it is thanks to the institutions the British left behind, and the economic benefits Indians reap from American businesses.
And the fact that many immigrants are opting for dual citizenship shows that their countries are no longer the dismal, economically non-viable back waters which they presumably left never to return to again.
The phenomenon of dual citizenship has been brewing for the past twenty years or so, with about 150 countries (including Canada and the U.S.) now accepting such a status compared to only a handful in the early 1990s.
I would like to say that claiming dual citizenship is a good thing. After all, if more Indians return to India, they will find much to attract them there, including living happy Indian lives with their relatives, their traditions, their cultures and the many beautiful things that are part of their Indianness. And then they will remain in India.
But what the modern non-Western immigrant does is keep all his options open. For Indians, it would be to live and enjoy their Indian life, but keep the other foot firmly planted in Canada, including encouraging (coercing) more, ever-increasing Indian immigration to Canada. And going through impossible hoops to change Canada into their version of a Nordic India (if ever possible).
The objectives of non-Westerners like Jain is not Canadian nation building, but the acquisition of the rights and privileges of living in a prosperous nation and to glean as much as they can from it. Such “Canadians” will never publicly admit this, but their hearts and minds, all the way down to their second and third generation offspring, are back in their ancestral lands. The “We Love Canada” mantra of many non-Western Canadians is easily dismantled when asked what their affiliations to their non-Western lands are, and more succinctly, if they have, or agree with dual citizenship.
This is the tidy(!) quagmire the thoughtless wielders of our immigration policies have come up with. A set-up for people like Jain, whose loyalties, despite his family living in Canada for multiple generations [Update 2018: Probably Jain is a "first generation" immigrant. There is no information on his family background anywhere], will always be as an Indian first (a non-Westerner), and when push comes to shove, a Canadian next. When pressed, "Why Canadian" his reply will eventually reveal that what he wants are the gains, and let’s face it, it is mostly economic gains, he will get from Canada. In the mean time, he will be busy working under the radar to make sure that this prosperous Canada will continue to be a temporary haven (or a displaced haven) for people like him, and for thousands more whose entrance to Canada he will facilitate.
This is the stark reality of non-Western "Canadians." Don’t listen to what they say, look at what they do.
Draft written in April 2009
After an episode on Television Ontario's The Agenda with Steve Paikin as host: "Dual Citizens, Dual Loyalties?"
On TVO, only a blog entry exists of the episode.
Immigration lawyer Ravi Jain, who is a first generation immigrant of Indian background, was recently on Steve Paikin's The Agenda panel on dual citizenship titled: "Dual Citizens, Dual Loyalties?” He was behaving in a manner typical of immigrants. He has an automatic, knee-jerk, expectation that the whole world (or more precisely, the non-Western world) is entitled to immigrate to U.S. and Canada, and once there, to obtain an uncontested guarantee of citizenship. I don't know why immigrants such as Jain (that is 99.9% of immigrants) never question the logic of their argument. Still, Jain is an immigration lawyer, so part of the answer lies in his professional background. He has to accept and support the concept of immigration to win his clients' cases. And if I were a little more cynical, I would have to say that it is a lucrative business being an immigration lawyer.
But this arrogant sense of entitlement goes deeper than career opportunism. I've thought long and hard about it, and I think that non-Westerners come to Canada or the U.S. (and to European countries as well) with a "they owe us" dig. Of course, this hails back to all the perceived insults and oppressions of the colonial period, and the American influence around the world since then.
The contradiction is that Jain's India is one of the more prosperous countries in the world, and I would say that it is thanks to the institutions the British left behind, and the economic benefits Indians reap from American businesses.
And the fact that many immigrants are opting for dual citizenship shows that their countries are no longer the dismal, economically non-viable back waters which they presumably left never to return to again.
The phenomenon of dual citizenship has been brewing for the past twenty years or so, with about 150 countries (including Canada and the U.S.) now accepting such a status compared to only a handful in the early 1990s.
I would like to say that claiming dual citizenship is a good thing. After all, if more Indians return to India, they will find much to attract them there, including living happy Indian lives with their relatives, their traditions, their cultures and the many beautiful things that are part of their Indianness. And then they will remain in India.
But what the modern non-Western immigrant does is keep all his options open. For Indians, it would be to live and enjoy their Indian life, but keep the other foot firmly planted in Canada, including encouraging (coercing) more, ever-increasing Indian immigration to Canada. And going through impossible hoops to change Canada into their version of a Nordic India (if ever possible).
The objectives of non-Westerners like Jain is not Canadian nation building, but the acquisition of the rights and privileges of living in a prosperous nation and to glean as much as they can from it. Such “Canadians” will never publicly admit this, but their hearts and minds, all the way down to their second and third generation offspring, are back in their ancestral lands. The “We Love Canada” mantra of many non-Western Canadians is easily dismantled when asked what their affiliations to their non-Western lands are, and more succinctly, if they have, or agree with dual citizenship.
This is the tidy(!) quagmire the thoughtless wielders of our immigration policies have come up with. A set-up for people like Jain, whose loyalties, despite his family living in Canada for multiple generations [Update 2018: Probably Jain is a "first generation" immigrant. There is no information on his family background anywhere], will always be as an Indian first (a non-Westerner), and when push comes to shove, a Canadian next. When pressed, "Why Canadian" his reply will eventually reveal that what he wants are the gains, and let’s face it, it is mostly economic gains, he will get from Canada. In the mean time, he will be busy working under the radar to make sure that this prosperous Canada will continue to be a temporary haven (or a displaced haven) for people like him, and for thousands more whose entrance to Canada he will facilitate.
This is the stark reality of non-Western "Canadians." Don’t listen to what they say, look at what they do.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
"Consider the Lilies"
[Photo By: KPA]
Luke 12:22-31
22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Friday, July 27, 2018
The Warfare Against a Homeland
Driving through Upstate New York
July 2009
[Photo By: KPA]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"People want a homeland despite all the psychological warfare against it, and the world can provide it."
Laura Wood
The Thinking Housewife
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above."
Excerpt from "My Country, 'Tis of Thee"
(Also known as "America")
Written by Samuel Francis Smith, 1832
Via The Orthosphere, July 24, 2018
From the Article "The Shabbiest Gospel"
By: J. M. Smith
Monday, July 23, 2018
At Urban Decay We're Made Involuntary Accomplices
The Urban Decay cosmetics store poster on its main window
At the "Luxury Wing" in the Square One Mall
[Photo By: KPA - July 2018]
This poster is in full view of shoppers and strollers, including families and young children, in the Square One, Mississauga, Shopping Centre.
What is a young girl (or boy) to make of this image of a white face (full face not visible) and a black face in such close proximity?
A Multicultural friendship?
Adults should realize that this is a sexualized image with the women's lips half open, which are, of course, "publicizing" Urban Decay's lip products.
And the ad makes us, the shoppers, involuntary accomplices in this behaviour, with the black model pointedly looking out at us.
Product Description:
Lips from the Lo-Fi lip mousse collection
Ready for modern matte lipstick that’s as chill as an afternoon record-shopping sesh? Whipped to airy perfection, Lo-Fi Lip Mousse is a weightless, buildable, waterproof lip color.Product Description:
This matte lisptick provides high-impact waterproof lip color with a velvety soft finish that feels like you’re wearing nothing...[Source: Urban Decay Website]
Eyes from the Naked 4Some limited edition
From the Urban Decay website:
If you missed out on Naked: The Perfect 3Some Vault, you’re in luck. Naked 4Some ups the ante with FOUR of our coveted neutral palettes.
With a range of shades and finishes this huge, you’ll never run out of options. Go bronze with Naked (the palette that started it all). Channel a more taupe vibe with Naked2...[T]urn up the heat with the scorched neutrals in our newest Naked palette, Naked Heat...so you can get Naked whenever the urge strikes.
Sunday, July 22, 2018
"And I will make of thee a great nation"
Genesis 12:2
And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing
Saturday, July 21, 2018
A Rescue Dog and A Smart Phone Explained
Later on that day, I walked by a couple of men (one white and the other "brown"). The white man had a hand-held SmartPhone™ which had music playing (loud enough to hear a couple of blocks away). It was a song in English (nothing unusual there, you might say).
But right across from where we were at the City Hall's Celebration Square, one of the many summer's "festivals," advertised as "Bollywood Monster Mashup," was in progress.
"Wrong song!" I chimed.
"You're listening to the wrong song," I explained to the curious white man. "You should be singing an Indian song like they're doing at Celebration Square!"
"Oh yes!" laughed the man (nothing from his companion).
"It's Bollywood Mashup today" he explains to the uninterested friend, who barely acknowledged my presence. I surmise that he must be yet another nationality from that so very diverse subcontinent.
I walk on not waiting for any conversation or interaction. "Have a good day!"
"Have a good day to you!" say the white man.
Nothing from his sidekick.
Here's yet another hidden behaviour. As brown-skinned people view each other with suspicion, they will always prefer the presence (or acquaintances if not friendships - as close as they can allow - of white people.
White Canadians built this country, they formed the culture, they have contacts and connections that go back generations. THEY are useful. Anyone else, well that depends...
Above, the Indian Flag Flying at the Bollywood Monster Mashup on Celebration Square, Mississauga, ,2018. The photo is from across the giant stage set for the week-end's events...
Multi-culti Mssssaugans continues to make hypocrites out of its citizens.
But right across from where we were at the City Hall's Celebration Square, one of the many summer's "festivals," advertised as "Bollywood Monster Mashup," was in progress.
"Wrong song!" I chimed.
"You're listening to the wrong song," I explained to the curious white man. "You should be singing an Indian song like they're doing at Celebration Square!"
"Oh yes!" laughed the man (nothing from his companion).
"It's Bollywood Mashup today" he explains to the uninterested friend, who barely acknowledged my presence. I surmise that he must be yet another nationality from that so very diverse subcontinent.
I walk on not waiting for any conversation or interaction. "Have a good day!"
"Have a good day to you!" say the white man.
Nothing from his sidekick.
Here's yet another hidden behaviour. As brown-skinned people view each other with suspicion, they will always prefer the presence (or acquaintances if not friendships - as close as they can allow - of white people.
White Canadians built this country, they formed the culture, they have contacts and connections that go back generations. THEY are useful. Anyone else, well that depends...
Above, the Indian Flag Flying at the Bollywood Monster Mashup on Celebration Square, Mississauga, ,2018. The photo is from across the giant stage set for the week-end's events...
the LARGEST South Asian Festival in Canada, #BollywoodMonster Mashup, an event that shares the elegant yet ecstatic Bollywood culture with everyone. An event that helps bring cultures together. [Source: Bollywood Monster Mashup website - About]That must be the attraction for Niko and his busy master. Perhaps he is involved in this cultural unifier, although real life is more demanding.
Multi-culti Mssssaugans continues to make hypocrites out of its citizens.
A Rescue Dog and A Smart Phone And the Myth of The Happy Multicultural
Niko's Long Lost Brother
The roads near my apartment building are under construction. My understanding is that they're restructuring the internal pipe and water systems. In any case, the wait for the traffic lights to change from green to red is much longer than usual (red to green is much shorter than usual).
The trick is to remain patient. I've now found a ledge where I can sit and wait.
Yesterday, I got to the crossing just as the lights changed to green. A long wait. As I got there a man came along with a dog. I am a big fan of dogs and know most of the ones near or around my building. This one was a stranger. It looked like a mix between a golden retriever and a husky. It has lovely green eyes.
The owner was an Asian man (South Asian). He had the dog on a leash and had his head down on his hand-held SmartPhone™ throughout. I don't even know how he realized the lights had changed. Probably because cars were stopping rather than rolling through (the sound changes).
"Can I stroke him?" I said. I partly speak to people to see their reactions. In multi-culti Mississauga, conversation is rare. People stick to themselves, and their own, and especially the Asians/Africans/Arab/Hispanics.
I think this is partly a genuine problem with communication. Many adults speak English "as a second language" and thus have problems expressing precisely what they wish to communicate. Partly it is also suspicion (perhaps this s a larger part of the problem). Many immigrants are now shoulder to shoulder with people they have little or no knowledge about. Some may even be adversaries (or even enemies) in their countries of origin. And at times such animosities travel across the oceans to this land of happy multiculturalism.
Most immigrants DO NOT have faith in multiculturalism. They know first had it doesn't work "back home." Why should it work here?
Thus Canada (Mississauga) is a land of enclaves: Portuguese; Sri Lankans; Ethiopians; Egyptians. And even enclaves within enclaves some based on ethnicity like the Ethiopian Amhara, Oromo and Tigre, and some religious like the Egyptian Copts and Muslims.
Back to my cross-roads encounter.
There was a brief pause as the man registered that the question was directed at him.
"Oh. Sure. He's friendly."
Back on his SmartPhone™ .
And the dog really was friendly, and happily grinning to have someone stroke his head.
"What's his name?"
No correction there, so the dog is male.
"Niko."
"Hi Niko!" And Niko continues to grin.
"How old is he?"
"Mmmm [flicking through pressing information]. About 4 years old."
"Oh! He's a rescue!" ALL dog-owners know the exact age of their pooch.
The light changes and the man drags the dog across as he answers "Yes."
I was actually waiting for the light for the perpendicular road to change.
Niko waddles along looking back at me. It was more than his master could muster, who couldn't get across quick enough!
I just laughed and watched them walk on. "Where COULD they be going?" I asked myself. All there was in that direction was more of the busy and noisy Hurontario throughway, although there are now high rise buildings scattered along the way.
"Oh. He must live in one of those!! And he's just coming from the more green areas around the City Hall, taking his "rescue dog" for a walk."
View of the Square One are in Mississauga
The City Hall (City Centre) and its clock tower is in the background
And the MiWay Bus Terminal in the foreground
[Photo By: KPA - 2017]
As I waited for MY green light, I looked into the line of cars waiting patiently for the light to change, holding brown faces and yellow faces, Chinese and Filipino and Arab faces. And and some which looked Eastern European. No WASPs - of the blonde and blue type.
I realized then that the man must have thought I was Arab (or Middle Eastern). Indians and Arabs are not the best of friends. Perhaps he was Hindu. Mississauga has one of the largest "Indian" which means "Hindu-Indian" population in Ontario. And they are touted as professionals and with some wealth. My understanding is that they work within the computer and digital industry in the region.
And the man did look relatively well-off. He had on a white polo shirt (maybe Lacoste?) and navy blue, slim-cut track pants (none of that baggy running/gym gear people wear these days) - maybe Ralph Lauren? His shoes were tan (Mocassin?) loafers, NOT sneakers or flip-flops which less wealthy Indians seem to prefer.
I wonder why (how) he called his dog Niko?
I googled "Niko" and here's what came up in Wikipedia:
In arts and entertainment: Fictional characters
Niko (animated), on the television series The Adventures of the Galaxy RangersIn arts and entertainment: Performers
Niko, a character played by Orestes Matacena in the 1994 film The Mask
Niko Bellic, the main character of the game Grand Theft Auto IV
Niklaren Goldeye, a character in Tamora Pierce's Emelan books
Niko, a pirate in The Legend of Zelda video games
Niko, a character played by Steven Seagal in the 1988 film Above the Law
Niko Yazawa, one of the main characters of media franchise Love Live!
Niko, the playable character of the video game Oneshot
Nikko Halloran, a character played by Remy Ryan in the 1993 film, RoboCop 3
Niko (musician), a musician currently signed to ATIC RecordsOther uses in arts and entertainment
Niko Etxart, Basque singer and musician
Maurizio De Jorio, Italian Eurobeat artist using the stage name Niko
Niko & The Way to the Stars (The Flight Before Christmas in North America), an animated filmOther uses
Niko, the Japanese name for the erhu, or Chinese fiddle
Minbu Nikō, a Buddhist disciple of NichirenI doubt Niko is named after "Minbu Nikō, a Buddhist disciple of Nichiren," with his pointy husky face (if his golden retriever had dominated, then maybe).
Nikō (company), a Japanese manufacturer of photographic cameras later renamed Cosina
Niko Kovač, a Croatian soccer player
Niko Kranjčar, a Croatian soccer player
Niko Resources, a Canadian oil and gas company
The Starving Artist Myth
On Sun, Jul 8, 2018 at 7:48 AM, eightypictures@gmail.com wrote:
On Wed, Jul 18, 2018 at 8:45 PM, ink.movement@gmail.com wrote:
On Wed, Jul 18, 2018 at 11:35 PM, eightypictures@gmail.com wrote:
On Wed, Jul 18, 2018, at 11:45 PM, ink.movement@gmail.com wrote:
On Thu, Jul 19, 2018 at 12:16 AM, eightypictures@gmail.com wrote:
On Fri, Jul 20, 2018 at 9:15 PM, ink.movement@gmail.com wrote:
On Fri, July 20, 2018 at 9:29 PM, ink.movement@gmail.com wrote:
On Fri, July 27, 2018 at 7:46 AM eightypictures@gmail.com wrote:
Cc:reclaimbeauty@gmail.com
To whom it may concern;--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please can you inform me where I can purchase the Ink Movement's Mississauga Youth Anthology VI online or through your website.
Thank you,
Kay A.
On Wed, Jul 18, 2018 at 8:45 PM, ink.movement@gmail.com wrote:
Hello Kay!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are very sorry for the late response - we are flooded by emails during this time of the year and accidentally missed this one! Also, the anthology does have a cost ($20) unless you're published, in which case you can get a free copy. This is why we do not have an online document. Hope that helps!
Again, we apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused. Let us know if you have any questions and/or concerns.
Regards,
Ink Movement Mississauga
On Wed, Jul 18, 2018 at 11:35 PM, eightypictures@gmail.com wrote:
It is surprising that you took 10 days to respond to my email. Also that you have no way to purchase the document online, or to download it if has no cost.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Wed, Jul 18, 2018, at 11:45 PM, ink.movement@gmail.com wrote:
Hello Kay!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are very sorry for the late response - we are flooded by emails during this time of the year and accidentally missed this one! Also, the anthology does have a cost ($20) unless you're published, in which case you can get a free copy. This is why we do not have an online document. Hope that helps!
Again, we apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused. Let us know if you have any questions and/or concerns.
Regards,
Ink Movement Mississauga
On Thu, Jul 19, 2018 at 12:16 AM, eightypictures@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks for your reply. It is a trek for me to get to the Art Gallery. Can I send a $20 check to your organization and have you send me a copy?--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Fri, Jul 20, 2018 at 9:15 PM, ink.movement@gmail.com wrote:
Hi Kay!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We will get back to you soon on that one!
Regards,
Ink Movement Mississauga
On Fri, July 20, 2018 at 9:29 PM, ink.movement@gmail.com wrote:
Hi Kay!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unfortunately, we are unable to ship you a copy - you would have to come to the AGM to get one. You can call them in advance and ask them if they have copies left as there are a limited number of them.
Let us know if you were able to get a copy or if you have any questions and/or concerns!
Regards,
Ink Movement Mississauga
On Fri, July 27, 2018 at 7:46 AM eightypictures@gmail.com wrote:
Cc:reclaimbeauty@gmail.com
Thanks for your reply.
There is really nothing further for me to ask you since you were unable to assist me with a simple request: That you mail me a copy of you latest anthology (or find me an online point of sales) for a copy.
I would only add that artists are also salesmen. A gallery that doesn't even promote your book to your benefit is not assisting you.
To further your cause, which is to distribute Massasauga writers' talents across the country (and beyond) you need to take your own actions. For example:
- Self publish and have Amazon distribute your book
- Self publish and distribute your book on your own website
- Have a business contract with agencies like the Art Gallery of Mississauga where you books can be obtained both in the gallery and through online purchase.
I wish you all the best. The starving artist image (and ideal) went out a couple of centuries. It has made a come-back in our era of "government funds" promises. But promises come with strings attached. And your independence, and your words, will eventually be required to fall in line with these agencies' mandates in order that their "promises" to you get to be fulfilled.
If you disagree with their mandates, then you will be well on the way toward the unpleasant life of a "starving artist." Ask Van Gogh what that's like.
Sincerely,
Kidist Paulos Asrat
Artist, Designer, Writer
Email: reclaimbeauty@gmail.com
At: Reclaiming Beauty
Davids Tea and A Summer Filled with Delicious Teas
To whom it may concern,
I am a frequent shopper (and visitor) at the Square One, Mississauga Davids Tea.
I am an avid coffee drinker but Davids Tea's delicious and abundant teas have made me into a tea-convert.
I have introduced DT to friends near and far.
And recently I informed sales people in Square One (Walmart and Whole Foods) of DT's promotions and sales items when they commented on the lovely blue DT bag with my Alpine Punch Tea.
I will always remain a loyal and eager customer. But it is with regret that I have to report a saleswoman who consistently behaves contrary to DT's first class employees that provide me with great service.
The saleswoman is at the Square One Davids Tea. Her Employee Number is 10006670, which I obtained from a receipt of our latest interaction, which was today, 7/20/2018, around 10:25 am (Transaction: #0000364983, Store: #00097, Terminal: #00097-R1). This is the third unpleasant incident I have had with her, which all boil down to her unwillingness to provide me with proper service and attention as I shop in your store.
I was planning to buy an ice tea pitcher on a 1/3 off sale ($28 to $19). I had seen it yesterday and stopped by to pick it up today.
I walked to the front of the store to look for it. But couldn't find it. While I was searching, 10006670 called out "Good morning" from the back. I wasn't paying attention and continued looking. The employee then shouted out in a more aggressive manner as though demanding my attention "Good morning!" I smiled, turned around and replied "Good morning," and continued searching.
Then I went to the back of the store where the employee was located. She was going through some kind of book which looked like she was doing inventory or bookkeeping. I waited a while, then asked her if there was any tea to sample for today. She gave me a cold tea but I asked what was the hot tea. Again she reluctantly looked up from her task and said something like "What can I do for you?"
By this time, I was angry and said that I have been repeating myself all this time.
We went back and forth for a while. Then I said "Are you going to keep this up? Is this customer service?"
"Employee are people too!" she said rudely and nonchalantly.
"I don't know about that," I rebutted.
At which point the woman has tears in her eyes and says: " I take offence at that!"
Another saleswoman had come in by that time, perhaps hearing our interaction and to relieve the woman now in tears. This second woman is Asian, who I am sorry to say had provided me with a similar distracted service just the day before and had in fact misinformed me about the pitcher sales until I put some pressure on her for more concrete information.
By then I had paid for my pitcher, and as the first saleswoman handed me my receipt, I simply walked out of the store.
Davids Tea is a great place. I am reporting these two incidents because I believe they are isolated. I hope the company can resolve them if indeed I have made the correct assessment and that there was some deficiency in customer service, at least towards me.
Thank you for your attention. And I look forward to a summer filled with your delicious teas.
Sincerely,
Kidist Paulos Asrat
I Love This Land
by Chief R. Stacey LaForme of the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation
You were and always shall be my brother
We were all the same color wrapped in the flag of this nation
My blood flowed as freely as yours, mixed in the fields one could not be distinguished from the other
Yet when we came home, when the nation’s colours were removed
Difference became apparent, not between you and me, God willing never
But in the eyes of those for whom we laid down our lives.
Oh, we still stood shoulder to shoulder in the parades, but the government thought that your life was more
valuable than mine
So you were given land, property, while I waited and I waited,
I know what you were given was not enough for what we endured
Still it was much more than I.
I am not envious of you brother, I believe you deserve even more than you received
But it hurt me very badly, I am not ashamed to say I cried and why not
I bled, I died, I killed, why does my country think I am unworthy
The enemy I fought could never be as cruel as the people I came back to embrace.
I gave so much, lived through so much and then you,
you who I would give all for, you pushed me aside as if I was inconsequential
I feel as if I have been spit upon by one I honored.
Do I feel good, having to ask you for what should have been given long ago, no?
In fact, I am a little ashamed to ask for justice in this
For I never went to war for money, for glory, for reward, I went because it was the right thing to do and God forgive me, I would go again.
This may seem an old wound to you but it is a wound that never heals
For it is a wound to my people’s heart and soul and insult to our pride
And we deserve so much better, especially from you.
by Chief R. Stacey LaForme of the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation
You were and always shall be my brother
We were all the same color wrapped in the flag of this nation
My blood flowed as freely as yours, mixed in the fields one could not be distinguished from the other
Yet when we came home, when the nation’s colours were removed
Difference became apparent, not between you and me, God willing never
But in the eyes of those for whom we laid down our lives.
Oh, we still stood shoulder to shoulder in the parades, but the government thought that your life was more
valuable than mine
So you were given land, property, while I waited and I waited,
I know what you were given was not enough for what we endured
Still it was much more than I.
I am not envious of you brother, I believe you deserve even more than you received
But it hurt me very badly, I am not ashamed to say I cried and why not
I bled, I died, I killed, why does my country think I am unworthy
The enemy I fought could never be as cruel as the people I came back to embrace.
I gave so much, lived through so much and then you,
you who I would give all for, you pushed me aside as if I was inconsequential
I feel as if I have been spit upon by one I honored.
Do I feel good, having to ask you for what should have been given long ago, no?
In fact, I am a little ashamed to ask for justice in this
For I never went to war for money, for glory, for reward, I went because it was the right thing to do and God forgive me, I would go again.
This may seem an old wound to you but it is a wound that never heals
For it is a wound to my people’s heart and soul and insult to our pride
And we deserve so much better, especially from you.
Friday, July 20, 2018
The gods of Mississauga
From the Art Gallery of Mississauga webpage for the June 28, 2018 Summer Exhibition opening reception:
"Chief Stacey LaForme opened our summer shows with
a prayer and a poem honouring #waterways."
About Chief Stacey LaForme:
At the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MNCFN) Picnic, 2017
[Image source]
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 28, 6 - 9 PMScreenshot from agmengage, the Art Gallery of Mississauga's Instagram post (click on the arrow of the first image showing a group of people to get this this embedded image - one of five mages):
Chief Stacey LaForme will open the exhibition with a prayer and a poem honouring our waterways at 6:45 PM, followed by a performance by percussionist and composer Germaine Liu at 7 PM.
"Chief Stacey LaForme opened our summer shows with
a prayer and a poem honouring #waterways."
About Chief Stacey LaForme:
Stacey Laforme is the elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MNCFN). Born and raised on MNCFN, Chief Laforme has served his community for over fifteen years, being first elected to council in 1999.
Chief Laforme is committed to increasing involvement and communication between Elected Council and both on and off-reserve membership. He is very active throughout MNCFN’s traditional territory which encompasses 3.9 million acres of Southern Ontario, not only as a Chief, but as a notable storyteller and poet. His dedication to the land, history, language and culture of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation are helping to guide his First Nation towards a prosperous future.
[Source]
At the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MNCFN) Picnic, 2017
[Image source]
How to Clean a White Straw Hat
Trade cards (Cigarette cards)
From the New York Public Library Digital Collections
The George Arents Collection
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
The Fate of the Queer
When I started to write this post, I misspelled "faith." The title should have read "The Faith of the Queer," instead of The Fath of the Queer." Although technically it wasn't my spelling error but the (now) limited functions of my keyboard.
Disclosure: my "i" and "k" on my keyboard don't work so I have to rely on my spellcheck to catch the errors. My spellcheck has filed as correct certain words like "wth" (perhaps because of frequent use and misspelling), and there's no red squiggly line to show that I've made a mistake.
Fortunately, I have a "screen keyboard" where I can just click in the missing letters. But when I rush through proofreading, I tend to pass over "wth" (and other words).
So.
When I titled this blog post as "The Fath of the Queer," meaning to write "The Faith of the Queer" I got of course a red squiggly line under "Fath." And when I resorted to spellcheck, I got "Fate."
And that makes for a perfect title for this post!
The Fate of the Queer
The Art Gallery of Mississauga is co-hosting an event in a neighborhood cafe. Here is what they have publicized on their "Facebook Events" page:
You’re Invited! Join us for a Critical Conversation on the intersections of faith and sexual and gender identities on Saturday, July 21st from 6:30-9:00pm at Studio.89, a barrier-free space with all-gendered washrooms. We’re proud to co-host this month’s Critical Conversation night with the Art Gallery of Misssauga and Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (QTBIPOC) Sauga. Our moderator will be no other than Anu Radha Verma.QUEERS of Fate: Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Pagan - COME ON OVER!
[Note: the misspelling of "Mississauga" (highlighted in red above) was NOT my computer's error. The AGM with close to 1/2 a million in various (1, 2, 3) government government funds still cannot get its information up to par. I have a budget of ... ZERO]
Critical Conversations is one of Studio 89's FREE monthly events that engages the community and raises consciousness about critical issues that affect us locally and globally. We invite a panel of super knowledgeable folks to offer insight and facilitate our discussion. We want to celebrate Pride for our July Critical Conversation.
We’ve invited Panelists to share their stories about their religious, sexual, and gender identities. We can’t wait to see you! Please don't hesitate to email beawesome@studio89.org if you have any questions.
The ever-accommodating AGM, with its Barrier-Free Space | All Gender Washroom is inviting you all to come to a discussion on your FATE.
NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Of Zombie Witches and Desolate Forests
J. S. Smith at The Orthosphere writes:
An excerpt from my article:
Video still from Supernature (Preview 2 min)
Director: Lotte Meret Effinger
Camera: Melanie Jilg
Editor: Thomas Kühn
Music Composer: Florian Meyer
Poster 3D rendering: Marco Buetikofer
As a sixteenth-century witch hunter put it, when hags convene to invoke evil spirits, the placeI wrote about this here: The Covert (is there any other way?) Satanic Imagery in the New Art Gallery of Mississauga Exhibit.
“to be chosen [is] melancholy, doleful, dark and lonely; either in woods or deserts, or in a place where three ways meet, or among ruins of castles, abbeys, monasteries, or upon the seashore when the moon shines clear” (Reginald Scott, The Discovery of Witchcraft [1584]).
An excerpt from my article:
Here, a zombie witch (whose gender is nonetheless not clear) sits in a forest as she (it) genuflects its arms around its grey hair (casting spells?). Later in the video, this zombie witch joins other creatures as they run through the forest, two which are horned, and another a more "conventional" witch with a haggard grey face and decayed teeth.
Video still from Supernature (Preview 2 min)
Director: Lotte Meret Effinger
Camera: Melanie Jilg
Editor: Thomas Kühn
Music Composer: Florian Meyer
Poster 3D rendering: Marco Buetikofer
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