I was in P.E.I. again last weekend. It was a nice trip and the weather cooperated somewhat. We drove over on Friday and came back on Sunday. It only takes about 3.5 hours each way and in my "eco-friendly" Echo, takes only a little over a tank of gas. Now that I brought up the Echo, I may as well let everyone know that we are looking to sell it and buy an even more fuel efficient car. Maybe a hybrid? Regardless, I had a great visit with my wonderful family that I am so fortunate to have.
On Monday (supposedly my day off), I did a couple sessions of in-house computer training for some clients and decided to visit City Hall in the evening for the session of Council. I must say there was a very interesting presentation by the Downtown Ministers Association. They were asking that the City not support the "Racino" for Saint John. For the record, I would have to say that I could not agree more with their points. As some councilors noted, yes gambling will always be an issue, but I do not think that we as a City have to support that issue. It ruins people's lives and their families lives. I have seen it first hand. Those that can afford to gamble can afford to go elsewhere and gamble. I have nothing against gambling if you do not have a pre-determined addiction and have the extra money. However, I fear that many in our City do not and why should we then put this in their faces. It is not fair. I truly believe that any reliable study cost/benefit study would show that the costs far outweigh the benefits but are just harder to measure. Enough on that!
On a more positive the Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation was also doing a presentation on having public access defibrillators in strategic locations across the City and this is an excellent idea. It will definitely save more lives.
On Tuesday, of last week, the Greater Saint John Community Foundation had its first meeting around their Annual Harbour Passage Gardening Party. This will be the third such event. Basically the event brings together organizations and individuals in the community to help clean up and "green" Harbour Passage. The event is always a success and is important to the environment. This years event will take place on Saturday, June 3rd from 10 AM - 1 PM. Everyone is welcome!
On Thursday night I attended the Annual "Faces of FUSION" networking dinner. The invited guest was Premier Bernard Lord. This was a successful event. Around 200 young Saint Johners attended and I had the privilege of getting to meet many of them. The City has a tremendous amount of potential. Now, how to harness this potential? Perhaps I am bitter, but I am still waiting to hear on several job applications I have submitted. I still find it hard to believe that I can have this much trouble finding work in a major urban centre with two University degrees. It is quite disheartening and I will not go into anymore detail as I am sure I have in previous posts. The dinner received input from the participants on a slogan for the N.B. license plate. I submitted one but left before they were all announced. "Discover Yourself!" was my submission. I believe it is fitting considering the urban/rural split in the province and the natural beauty and slower pace of life.
Today we had our MindPower 2006! event that I have spoke about in previous posts. It was a huge success and the speakers were very entertaining and insightful. Unfortunately I was playing the "techie" role and so got to take in little of the speakers. But by all accounts it was a great event. I will look forward to next year!
After attending MindPower 2006! all day and doing some chores this evening, I have put over 20,000 steps on the pedometer today. That means it is time for bed! I hope you all have a great weekend. It is supposed to be a nice one!
One last promo of an event I will be attending Monday night. I have cut and paste the info below:
8 pm. Imperial Theatre, 24 King Square South. Presented by: The Human Development Council. Tommy Douglas: The Arrows of Desire is an exploration of Douglas' life, beliefs, passions, battles, dreams and humanitarian accomplishments during 44 years as Premier of Saskatchewan and Member of Canada's Parliament in Ottawa. Tickets: $20. (506) 674-4100.
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