Monthly Archives: July 2009

  When President Barack Obama said the arrest of Professor Henry Louis Gates was stupid, he was right.   It doesn’t mean Sargeant Crowley is stupid. It means that, in that moment, he made a stupid choice.   It also brought to light that the election of President Barack Obama last November did not end racism.   I read today that President Obama’s approval rating slipped almost 10 points because of the way he handled this situation.  I wanted to write this today, because his approval with me went up, on the way he handled this.

Barack Obama suggested the two men sit down and chat over a beer.  Great Idea.  This incident between Professor Gates and Sargeant James Crowley has captured the nation.   Everyone has jumped on the racism band-wagon and President Obama is trying ease the tension surrounding this incident.   I think sitting down for a cold one has helped cool a lot of hot tempers.

Congrats.

Darlene

  

This is the first  year in many years I am staying home and vacationing in Newfoundland.  Taking in many of the festivals and events that happen in our province.  There are some great things going on in Newfoundland this summer.

Klondyke Days in Bay Roberts, in Conception Bay.  On now, and will continue until August 3rd.  The Town of Bay Roberts puts off a fantastic 10 days of events for the entire family.  Including 3 great tribute concerts, including the Stars of Pop – tribute to Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers for the younger ones.  Thunderstruck, North America’s #1 Tribute Band to AC/DC, and Bon Journey, Canada’s favorite tribute band to Bon Jovi and Journey.

The Brigus Blueberry Festival is also just around the corner.  The town of Brigus is one of the prettiest places you will ever visit, and this Blueberry Festival is going to be fun.  I have already been to Bonne Bay this summer with my nephews, and in August I am looking forward to taking them to Rocky Harbour and Cow Head.  In Cow Head is the annual Gros Morne Theatre Festival.  The Gros Morne Theatre festival features nightly entertainment consisting of dramatical and musical performances depicting the Newfoundland way of life as well as a reflection of our pass.  With the nationally and internationally recognized “Tempting  Providence”, “Neddy Norris Night”, “The Ethie Dinner Theatre” and other performances, a night at the Gros Morne Theatre Festival will add tremendously to your visit to Cow Head and to Gros Morne National Park in general.

There’s also Markland Days, the George Street Festival, the Bartlett Celebrations, Rising Tide Theatre, the Stephenville Theatre Festival, Deer Lake Strawberry Festival, and many many more Festivals.

Enjoy your summer!

Darlene

I was reading a Time Magazine article recently on mourning the lost art of Handwriting.  Here is the article if you would like to read it as well. 

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1912419,00.html

And I would like to add a few comments.  I realize there is a young generation of people that text more than they talk, however, one day these people want to enter the work force.  My advice is don’t let the handwriting skills slip you by, and face to face communication skills are needed if you are going to succeed.  So its fine to text, I do it myself, but you have to open yourself to and learn other forms of communication.

I have been stating for a long time that the generation of young people who soley communicate through computer, and their free time is spent with an X-Box, are not doing themselves any favors, because in the Business world, a broader skill set is needed.  Unless all these young people intend to be computer programmers, they need to broaden their horizons.

It’s up to us to ensure our young people read more, write more and learn more than what’s available on an X-Box.   And don’t forget to write that handwritten note. 

Darlene

  

If there is one thing to say about the province of Newfoundland, there are events all over, for every age group, and for every member of the family.  This was my first time taking in the Harbour Grace Regatta.  It was the 147th Running of the Harbour Grace Regatta, which makes it the second oldest sporting event in Newfoundland, second only to the historic St. John’s Regatta.

KIXX Country Radio was delighted to sponsor a first-time team of Rowers.  They were 8 years old, rowing for the first time in the ‘Girls Under 10 Division’.  And even though the oars were bigger than the girls themselves, they made excellent time, and did everyone proud.

I have included some pics of the fabulous girls and say hats off to their accomplishments.  If I had to row the distance they did, I would still be on that lake today.

Congratulations girls!

Darlene

         I am a big fan of Photography!  I love taking pictures, and I love looking at pictures.  I enjoy the entire process, which for me, means taking about 50 pictures to get one that really moves me.

Recently I was curious about the what Time Magazine and National Geographic had considered the Top 10 Photos of 2008.  Above is a picture of Cindy McCain, taking a rest wtih a glass of white wine, while campaigning with her husband, John McCain.   It was taken by TIME Photographer Christopher Morris and it was one of Time Magazine’s Top 10 Photos of 2008.   Check out all 10 photos from Time Magazine at this link.

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2008/top10/article/0,30583,1855948_1864580,00.html

I really like taking pictures of nature.   I also like viewing pictures of nature.  So of course my favorite pictures of 2009 came from National Geographic.   Check them out.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/12/photogalleries/top-ten-photos/photo10.html

One of my favorites was the volcano erupting in Chile.  Now that was a photograph.  And please feel free to check out some of the pictures I have taken on my flickr site.

Enjoy

Darlene