Sure the Stampede is a tradition in Calgary, so is Agribition in Regina and, in some other places, so are cockfights, dog fights and bear baiting. I understand; I used to have my own gun holster, hat, vest, and chaps, my favorite uncle was a stampede pick up man, I even had the rodeo queen come with me to school for show and tell once but there is a time when we’ve got to come to terms with the fact that the unparalleled joy of watching cowboys twist steer necks and menace poor bulls and horses to the point that the animals jump around like maniacs must come to an end. There’s no use in trying to extend our demented childhoods beyond their expiry date.

Feel free to rope each other, tie things around your nuts (if you’ve got them) or the nuts of your willing, yet bucking, friends if you want to but leave the poor animals out of it. Thanks.

This week is the the 20th anniversary standoff between Mohawks and the Canadian government forces in the Mohawk village of Kanehsatake near the town of Oka in Quebec. I have a particular interest in this anniversary because the crisis was also an extremely important moment in my life where I started learn more about indigenous rights, and struggles. Consequently, that was the year I changed my mindset for the better. To see more about the Oka standoff go here to watch the great movie Kanehsatake: 270 Years Of Resistance.

Ever since I was a young kid  Dio’s music and lyrics have helped me through some of the most confusing and bad times of my life.  I will miss him more than anyone can know. I actually cried when I heard the news. R.I.P. Ronnie.

live for today, tomorrow never comes.

Tomorrow (Saturday, May 15th) at 2:00, shortly after you’re done collecting free stuff off of the neighbors lawns, there will be a party at the U of W Bulman Centre. It’s put on by the kids who attend the after school program at  the NEEDS CENTRE. There’s going to be a Rwandan dance, good singers, a play about coming to Canada, art,  and a bunch of other cool stuff. The kids wrote the play themselves and have been practicing for 6… months. Check it out if you can. These kids rule. I hope to see you there!!

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/life/play-tells-of-refugee-teens-lives-93756029.html?viewAllComments=y

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/succeeding-despite-adversity-93258054.html

“Manitoba Association For Rights and Liberties will be hosting an event on Sunday March 21^st at 12:00 PM to take part in The International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination. We will be having a free luncheon at Mondragon Cafe, 91 Albert Street. Three speakers will discuss current issues regarding racism in our communities.  Slone Phan from the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council will be speaking,  Sacha Paul the lawyer who represented Amnesty at the supreme court on the Khadr case will be speaking and former left-tenant governor john Harvard will be speaking.  There will be time for questions, discussion and delicious food.  Please come out and make our event a success, also please feel free to forward this message and invite everyone that you think would be interested – the event and food are free of charge, everyone is welcome.”
See you there, I hope.