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Category Archives: Blog Politics

The Hawaii Series, yes, we are experts Chapter 2

February 19, 2011 10:08 pm / colin

I have been talking to a lot of people about travel the last 6 months or so.
And from my perch in the North-west (Victoria, B.C. Canada), I hear the following a lot…

“Going to Hawaii” “Going to Maui” “Going to Kauai” “Going to Waikiki”

Oh yea – and a few cheapskates going to Mexico… no bias or anything here. None at all.

Bamboo Restaurant in Hawi on the Big Island

Picture at right: The Bamboo Restaurant in Hawi, North Kohala district on the Big Island of Hawaii – is a culinary gem!

Folks looking for a warm getaway in 2011 look towards Hawaii and the Islands for a bunch of great reasons.
It’s warm. Yes, it is warm year around.
It’s safe. Hawaii has a really, really low crime rate. Pay no attention to Dog the Bounty Hunter or Hawaii Five O because it is, firstly a reality show and secondly fiction.
The place we stay, a condo 10 minutes walk from the heart of Kona, Hawaii, has not had a car break-in in over 4 years. Many reasons: Laws are tough and it is an easy going place. Drug addiction (despite what you see on Dog) is not rampant and everyone appears to be living well.
It’s part of America, a pretty civil and law abiding place.

Currently Mexico (not all of it of course) is ravaged by poverty and regional drug wars – sure, you are not likely to get caught in the middle of a fire-fight, but why run the risk of being kidnapped, murdered… or worse.
Sure, you can save a lot of money traveling in Mexico – but if you want worry free travel, I think Hawaii is a great choice – which explains why everyone is talking about it – and actually going there.

So anyway – warm, safe, stable (and if you are a Canadian with Canadian dollars) it is as affordable as it’s going to be for a while – our dollar being at par or better!

Getting there – The clear majority of folks that visit Hawaii fly there – considering the alternative (taking a boat), it is the only way to go. But pick your carrier carefully. Andrea and I have been flying Alaska Airlines for some time now – and they never let us down. I made a vow a couple of years ago to:
a.) Avoid YVR (Vancouver International) and
b.) Air Canada (The Canadian equivalent to Aeroflot)

If at all humanly possible.

Seattle (SEA) Tacoma is, by far a vastly superior airport for getting into the Pacific.
Seattle International has a better vibe, it is better organized, and there are no twitchy Canadian RCMP officers with tasers waiting to send you to your maker (OK, more bias, long story…)

So, for us, SEA is the way to go – and Alaska Airlines as a carrier. They are the American version of Canada’s West Jet (whom I would happily fly with if the scheduling was right…) West Jet flies to Hawaii but I have yet to exercise that option.

And for our readers around North America – you really do need to do your homework. While we were in Hawaii we talked to a lot of people about how they got there – and there were horror stories aplenty about those old familiar airlines ; United and American. Look, if you can avoid them, do it. Scan trip adviser online for feedback and testimony on who served travelers right. Ironically, in North America, Hawaiian Airlines is one of the most popular airlines going – sadly, they do not fly everywhere. Check their site for cities served. Hawaiian flies direct to Honolulu from a handful of large Western U.S. cities like Portland, Seattle and Los Angeles. Check them out.

In our next chapter, we will talk about the planning that goes into a trip to the Hawaiian Islands.

Posted in: Blog politics, Blog travel

Fall Fun Food and Follies 5 Things to do while you are alive

November 8, 2010 9:00 pm / colin

Yesterday my wife and I set aside some time to meet with a neighbor.
A new neighbor in fact. A lady who has located to Victoria after her husband had retired.
They had lived and worked around Canada… in places as far flung as Halifax, Ottawa, Saskatoon and Regina.

She grew up in Germany and was a young child as Hitler was beginning his reign of terror on Europe.
She is actually an amalgam of German and Danish. A handsome and studied woman, she had seen a lot of stuff in the mid-forties – and although just a child at the time (she) formed a solid impression of what Nazism and Fascism truly represented. And how we need to be watchful even today.

And here she was in 2010 telling us about what life was like for a young girl in Nazi Germany and then for a young woman starting a new life in the West.

Her story has an interesting and tragic twist. Her husband and she had just started to settle in Victoria (in their late seventies and in perfect health) looked forward to the golden years pursuing their mutual passion of sailing and travel.
A freak accident however took her husbands life a few months ago – and now she has to carry on the journey alone. Sad.

In just under 3 hours we covered a stimulating chunk of Western history, from life in Germany in the War to new beginnings in Canada in the late 50’s – The magic of Canada in the 60’s – the evolution of the Canadian identity in the early 70’s and so on.

She has over 30 years on me, with a correspondingly more encompassing sense of the big picture and an acute sense of the absurd in how some aspects of Western society have remained virtually unchanged since the last Great War.
Sobering stuff indeed.

I learned a bunch of stuff from this gal. One of them is: Tomorrow really never comes. Every day really is your last until proven otherwise. Care for those around you. Love your friends. Leave your mind entirely open for new ideas. Embrace strangers because, hey, you never know.

Keeping doors open. It is what we all need to do.

Posted in: Blog politics, Canadiana

Summer Food Fun and Drink Chapter 7 Kiva and Hug someone

July 3, 2010 9:53 pm / colin

Bob Harris - World traveler - Jeopardy winner - Writer CSI Las Vegas and BONESI have a friend named Bob Harris, from Los Angeles, who tonight is somewhere in Hungary… Budapest I think – being astounded by the unique nature of the language.
On his own. On a mission that any parent, friend or partner would be proud of.

Researching a book on the subject of KIVA – a microfinance thing that everyone should know about and participate in.
Because it works.

Simple concept.

You loan out small amounts of money to folks in developing nations that are starting up a business that need a helping hand.

Bob has made hundreds of loans – many of which that have already been paid back. It’s simple. And hey, it works. Check out his page

Anyway – yesterday Bob was in Bosnia – a war torn region that is on a comeback. And he anonymously met with folks that he has loaned money to. He is writing a book on the subject. From where I am sitting, Bob is a saint. Or not. Maybe just a normal guy on a mission. That you can participate in as well.

Check out Kiva.

Posted in: Blog politics, Pop culture

2009 a year in review – part three – Joy, World Peace, and fighting

December 29, 2009 4:46 pm / colin

MMA In Vancouver (and Victoria maybe) pathetic blood sportMany, many years ago one of my, now fully grown, nephews declared while hoisting a plastic sword (or light saber…) over his head…

“I believe in Peace, Harmony… and fighting…”

Which is something that must have been on Vancouver city council’s mind when they made the bizarre and unexpected decision to sanction and approve the exhibition of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA, UFC, whatever…).

MMA: defined as: two competitors using techniques from boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and other fighting styles to knock each other out. It used to be called “extreme fighting” but now those who run this pathetic excuse for a sport prefer to call it “mixed martial arts” — sounds so much more civilized is all…

Call me a sissy but I have always thought that there is very little “sport” in two guys pummeling each other into a senseless mass. I mean, come on. Pinning someone and delivering kidney shot after kidney shot (or head shots) is not sport. It is barbarism, pure and simple.

And, ironically, I actually feel for the combatants that choose this avocation and blame the promoters and audience for getting off on it. Because, hey, it is oh so Toss the Christians to the Lions mentality.

Vancouver Counselor Andrea Reimer, who voted against the motion said “It’s become very hard for me to see the logic in passing this motion … I’ve spent a lot of time . . . dealing with the fallout of kids who have been desensitized to violence because of adult sanctioning of violence, but then adults also saying it’s not appropriate for children to participate in the same level of violence that we have sanctioned ourselves.”

Can’t touch that. Thank-you Rafe Mair for getting that word-byte from Andrea.

More locally, there is some talk among city folk in and around Victoria out through the West Shore (read, Langford, Colwood, Trailerland…) thinking about getting some of that MMA action here on the lower Island.

And no, some of the action in and around the West Shore council meetings, although taking advantage of verbal sparring, bullying and other goon like behavior, may appear to be a form of Mixed martial arts – it ain’t.

For me, integrating brutality and senseless violence into a public spectacle was one more step in the de-evolution of the Province of British Columbia.

Posted in: Blog politics, Canadiana

Fall Fun Food Drink and Words with Rex Murphy

September 21, 2009 10:47 pm / colin

Rex Murphy live in Victoria B.C. September 21 2009

One of the great pleasures of the spoken (and written) word (particularly in a country as free as Canada) is the ability to wax philosophic on every subject that irritates the psyche. It is, as if, in Canada, a country that prides itself on free expression, labels the very exercise of soliloquy as a national obligation – the failure to do so, within itself, could well be rewarded with a social punishment, or banishment worthy of a much harsher crime.

Which leads me to the hour of validation provided by none other than Rex Murphy – orator, intellect, maven of all things Canadian Culture – host of Canada’s beloved “Cross Country Check-up”, writer for the Globe and Mail… and on… and on… and on…

We have seen Rex on several occasions, each successive venture in listening more profound than the one before it. Mister Murphy has an uncommon connection to the most intimate fabric of the Canadian experience and a word skill sufficiently advanced to weave an otherwise cryptic and esoteric sweater of ideas into a warm and gentle blanket of thought wearable by even the most jaded and maple leaf detached person.

His message tonight was quite simple: We live in a country with a whole lot of great stuff around us and like the “forest for the trees” adage, we don’t know what we have even when we are surrounded by it – and it is not so much about the learning of this concept, because we know it by rote – but that we often need to be reminded of the little things that coalesce into the big things… that make Canada the most desirable place on the Planet – and the people resting on its familiar soil some of the most giving and empathic.

In a short story about 9/11 and how average Canadians (Newfoundland in his example) come to the aid of stranded Americans and Internationals, forced out of the air in a day of infamy, senseless aggression and rage. – Rex illustrates the factor of molecular memory in Human behavior and how good things can come from all Canadians – of all stripes, because we know what the right thing to do is when we are in dire straits – or when our neighbors are in difficult times.

And not only that, the very manifestation of the Canadian zeitgeist guarantees the feels good reward by doing the right thing – without expectation of recognition – but just the simple satisfaction of lending a hand when it’s needed.
And it is intrinsically Canadian to do so.

It was a great time. We bought his new book (photo upper right) and lined up with other Canadians to have a private moment with the wordsmith – and to have the book custom signed.
A moment with a great Canadian, teacher, speaker and a reminder what it is to be Canadian…
Utterly priceless.

Posted in: Blog politics, Canadiana

The World around us – in crisis – Ed Begley Junior

January 31, 2009 10:49 pm / colin

Ed Begley Junior on the EnvironmentI write and talk about Cafe culture and my life with coffee – it is a niche area that has been good for me and hopefully good for people that actually work in the industry… like the farmers and their families… and even a cafe or two.

But it is not something that is going to net me a huge audience that would fill an auditorium and get me round after round of ovation and accolade.

Because it’s coffee – and although millions drink it and love it… It isn’t Earth shattering.

Ed Begley Jr. talks about the environment and sustainability – the path we are on – the crisis that we are in – and the actual real tangible hope that is before us.

We saw Ed Begley Jr. at the University of Victoria Center auditorium tonight and he made sense. Sure he was preaching to the converted – like Andrea and I… and our dear friend Sheila. But I am sure there were one or two cynics in the crowd. I mean, I sure hope so. Because a converted cynic in hand is worth two converts in the bush…

Whatever the heck that means.

Anyway. I wish Ed would come to coffee one day because I share a table in our cafe with a couple of anti-global warming bobble-heads. That is, they hear an AM talk-show host say that there is no global-warming or environmental crisis… and they believe it without question.

Ed’s message is simple: “Don’t listen to me. Don’t listen to the Sierra Club. Don’t listen to AM radio or the Right Wing media.
No. Pick something you trust… like National Geographic… or someone with a Phd after their name… like a University professor who actually knows what she or he is talking about – and at least listen”

Ed’s the voice of reason. So we listened to him. And although we kind of are already on that sustainable – environmental bandwagon, there is a lot more that we can do for the Planet.

Ed also says… “Do not listen to the message about not being able to afford change or afford the environment…”

The message is: We cannot afford not to listen.
Ed speaks in a compelling way, without being too preachy – giving real World practical examples about how everyone can do their part – however small.

Anyway – do yourself a favor and check this guy out if you can – or visit his website.
Postscript – thanks for the e-mail Ed! Appreciated.

Posted in: Blog politics, Island Organic

Winter follies countdown to Hawaii boast #4

December 7, 2008 8:49 pm / colin

Hilo Hawaii December 2008 coffee get-away ChristmasJust discovered a hidden benefit to getting away to Hawaii in a couple of weeks…

Getting away from Stephen Harper. And Stéphane Dion. And Gilles Duceppe. And Jack Layton.

Picture at right: Historic downtown Hilo, Hawaii – we will be staying there during our 12 day visit to the Big Island

We wasted 150 million on a Federal election that was hardly 1 and 1/2 months ago – on a whim direct from Stephen Harper’s starved ego. And the first chance he got to reach out to the opposition, he engaged in partisan politics and pissed everyone off.

In my opinion, Stephen Harper is a neo-con weasel underneath an expensive haircut. He does not appear to be particularly fond of women, or children or the Canadian fabric and infrastructure itself.

Stephen Harper would have made a great Roman leader; he is just nutty enough to squander every ounce of good will that the houses of Parliament have in Ottawa – and is more than ok with fiddling away our tax dollars while the Canadian electorate burns with rage. With indignation. With resolve.

A far cry from how a lot of us felt 60 days ago when this nimrod was trying to appeal to our sensibilities in a plaid sweater – pitching the image of the common man.
Those of us who voted in opposition did not buy it. Because we know that Stephen Harper holds nothing but waddle shaking contempt for women seeking wage parity in the work-place – for underprivileged children living in poverty – for the crumbling infrastructure of the Canadian mosaic.

This just in: Stéphane Dion will probably resign in a day or so. Stephen Harper would be wise to do the same thing. Put aside the bullshit partisan politics and get down to the serious business of saving the Canadian economy.

In the meantime, I am leaving the Country on the 19th of December. I will be taking my shortwave radios (primarily for Canadian news and views…) – but you know… the way I am feeling these days, I may point the antennas in THE OTHER DIRECTION!

Peace and Aloha friends!

Posted in: Blog politics, Canadiana

Conscience in a cup – the coffee trade

March 15, 2007 10:54 am / colin

Attach a face to your morning coffeeOne of the things I brought up on my CBC interview recently was just how volatile the coffee trade is. I am going to try and spend more time on this issue as it is a message that is not getting out enough.

Fact: Coffee changes hands 100-125 times on its journey from the farmers field to the cup –

That is an indicator of how many middle-men there are – this number is shrinking thanks, in part, to
internet auctions.

Now take all the coffee that is grown annually —
and multiply that quantity by ten and that is
the volume that trades on the commodity indexes
in New York and London. This is a totally staggering reality that impacts on the farmers and their families.

Back to the trade indexes for a moment: The coffee prices rise and fall faster than a theme-park roller-coaster.
And with these wild fluctuations, comes hardship for the
12 million farmers and families that rely on the meager
income that the coffee produces.

Is there hope? Yes: fair-trade, internet auctions, the cafe-culture phenomenon in the West that is paying more attention to the ethical issues and so on.

How can the average consumer help? Look at the label.
Is your coffee fairly traded? Is your coffee organic? Is your coffee labelled and branded by a gigantic trans-national like Folgers, Nescafe and the like. Read your label carefully.

Yes, you might be able to buy your 2-pound bins of ground Folgers at the Wal-Mart for $9 – but ask yourself this:
Who is really paying the ultimate price in human suffering when we screw farmers and their families out of a decent living?

Think about your coffee and how you can make a difference.

Posted in: Blog cafe culture, Blog politics

On a day like today…

January 24, 2006 8:28 pm / colin

For the Girl (Guy) who has everything...Okay folks (Canadian folks that is), the Conservatives (read – ReFoRm!!!) have taken power.

Well, sort of.

They got a minority and a small minority at that.

For our American friends just joining us – We had a Federal election yesterday. The Liberals (your Democrats) were booted out and the Conservatives (your Bush-Republicans) got in, albeit with a sqeaky victory.

Hardly worth celebrating you say? Guess again.

With a Conservative minority victory as opposed to a Conservative majority, there are a bunch of things I can scratch off of my to-do/to-prepare-for list. Hmmmm, let’s see:

*build bomb shelter —Canada’s resistance to the weaponization of space unlikely to change anytime soon.
*trade in Honda Civic for armoured HumVee —too old to get sent to Iraq anyway.
*encourage wife to wear more modest attire – “honey, you look fabulous in those pettipants!”
*buy Brook’s Brothers suit… or coveralls

Hey. I have seen fake-fur on people. Fake-fur on dogs (real fur underneath the fake fur, ah, I guess) – but Fur on a coffee cup? Come on! Get outta here! What’s next:
*leather vest on a sirloin-tip?
*blue jeans on a hot dog?

Enough! Seriously though, 3 ladies have come up with a great idea. Read all about it on www.cupcouture.com –

“Cup Couture is a Seattle based women owned company. It’s a story of 3 women with a love for coffee and a passion for fashion who dreamed of combining the coffee drinking culture of Seattle with the runway styles of New York. Whether you drink lattes, chai spice or Earl Grey, stylize for your fix with a personality twist. Cup Couture brings designer fashion to your beverage drinking pleasure.”

Posted in: Blog politics, Canadiana

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