Items of Note

Well, here it is November 6th and several items of note have occurred over the last several days. Firstly on a sad note, a young boy of 15 from the Barrie area, who ran away from home on October 13th after an argument with his parents over his use of a video game, was found deceased yesterday. Although official confirmation won't be made until autopsy results are completed, the police are pretty certain it is Brandon. Although foul play has not been ruled out, police aren't looking at that aspect right now. In all likelihood, Brandon probably died from exposure - we had some wickedly cold nights around that time. So sad, to lose one's life over a stupid game. Unfortunately, that is the way of things now-a-days; kids are more prone to sitting inside and playing video games, rather than get outside and play with friends while getting fresh air. No wonder obesity is rampant amongst the young ones. When I was growing up (yes, many years ago), we had a choice - get outside to play or do chores. Never being one to enjoy chores that much, I always took the other option, only coming home when I got hungry or it got dark, whichever came first. I also never had the luxury of having a parent drive me to the mall, or downtown or wherever. If I wanted to go, it was up to me to find my way - usually by bike, but occasionally by bus if going downtown (I grew up in Vancouver BC and area, so "downtown" was quite a distance, although I did travel it a couple of times by bike).

The second item of note was the American elections. They were poised to make history, no matter which way the elections went. If the Democrats won, they would have the first African-American president. If the Republicans won, then they would have the first female vice-president ever. As it turned out, the Democrats won handily, with something like 349 electoral votes vs 163 (approximately), with Barack Obama garnering 53% of the popular vote vs John McCain's 46%. It was a very long (a year or so), hard-fought campaign, what with each candidate first having to win their respective nominations and then having to battle their opponents to gain votes in the various states. Voter turnout was apparently very high as well, around the 64% mark according to various reports. Whether this was interest generated due to the candidates or due to the fact that people were just plain tired of "Bush-onomics" and didn't want another 4 years of the same old, same old, only time will tell. I am sure glad that the Canadian process of elections isn't based on the American model - I don't think I could stand a year long campaign of politicians lol.

I guess the only other item of note right now is the glorious weather we have been experiencing for the last several days. Temperatures in the mid-teens to low 20's during the day with lots and lots of sun! I LOVE IT !!! If this is what fall is going to be, bring it on! Unfortunately though, saw on the weather this morning that the next 5 days are supposed to be rainy, with the temps dropping down to a high of 3 next week, and a possibility of wet snow as well :>( . Oh well, knew it was too good to last, although the way the weather forecasters have been wrong this year, there is hope yet.

Well, in order to not make this too long, will call it a day for now. Stay tuned for my next blog when I will discuss the upcoming Christmas season and possibly suggest some gifts for loved ones. Take care all and have a good day ...

Grandpa out .......